A1 Idiom ニュートラル

Mettre le doigt dessus

To put one's finger on it

意味

To identify the exact cause or nature of a problem.

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文化的背景

In French business culture, being 'direct' and 'analytique' is prized. Using this phrase shows you are following the logic of the conversation. In Quebec, you might also hear 'Mettre le doigt sur le bobo', where 'bobo' is a childish word for a small injury, used here to mean the 'sore spot' or the problem. Usage is identical to France, often used in political debates on RTBF to highlight a specific policy failure.

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The 'Sur' Rule

Remember: 'Mettre le doigt SUR [quelque chose]' but 'Mettre le doigt DESSUS' (no noun).

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Don't use 'le main'

Even though a hand is bigger, the idiom only works with 'le doigt' (the finger).

意味

To identify the exact cause or nature of a problem.

💡

The 'Sur' Rule

Remember: 'Mettre le doigt SUR [quelque chose]' but 'Mettre le doigt DESSUS' (no noun).

⚠️

Don't use 'le main'

Even though a hand is bigger, the idiom only works with 'le doigt' (the finger).

自分をテスト

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'mettre'.

Hier, nous ______ le doigt dessus.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: avons mis

The sentence uses 'Hier' (yesterday), so we need the passé composé of 'mettre' with 'nous'.

Which sentence is the most idiomatic?

To say 'You found the problem' in French:

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Tu as mis le doigt dessus.

'Dessus' is the standard adverb used in this fixed idiom.

In which situation would you use this phrase?

Situation: You are trying to figure out why your cake didn't rise, and your mom says you forgot the yeast.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: When someone identifies the cause.

The phrase is used for identifying the root cause of a failure.

Fill in the missing word.

A: 'C'est la faute du moteur !' B: 'Exactement, tu as mis le ______ dessus !'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: doigt

The idiom is 'mettre le doigt dessus'.

🎉 スコア: /4

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練習問題バンク

4 問題
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'mettre'. Fill Blank A1

Hier, nous ______ le doigt dessus.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: avons mis

The sentence uses 'Hier' (yesterday), so we need the passé composé of 'mettre' with 'nous'.

Which sentence is the most idiomatic? Choose A1

To say 'You found the problem' in French:

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Tu as mis le doigt dessus.

'Dessus' is the standard adverb used in this fixed idiom.

In which situation would you use this phrase? situation_matching A1

Situation: You are trying to figure out why your cake didn't rise, and your mom says you forgot the yeast.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: When someone identifies the cause.

The phrase is used for identifying the root cause of a failure.

Fill in the missing word. dialogue_completion A1

A: 'C'est la faute du moteur !' B: 'Exactement, tu as mis le ______ dessus !'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: doigt

The idiom is 'mettre le doigt dessus'.

🎉 スコア: /4

よくある質問

3 問

Yes! If someone guesses the perfect gift for you, you can say 'Tu as mis le doigt dessus !'

It is always 'dessus' (on top). 'Dessous' means underneath and is not used in this idiom.

Yes, it shows you have good analytical skills and a command of natural French.

関連フレーズ

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Mettre le doigt sur la plaie

specialized form

To touch a sensitive or painful subject.

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Toucher du doigt

similar

To see something very clearly or be close to a goal.

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Mettre les pieds dans le plat

contrast

To make a clumsy mistake or bring up an embarrassing topic.

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