Meaning
To identify the exact cause or nature of a problem.
Cultural Background
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.
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).
Meaning
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).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'mettre'.
Hier, nous ______ le doigt dessus.
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:
'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.
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 !'
The idiom is 'mettre le doigt dessus'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHier, nous ______ le doigt dessus.
The sentence uses 'Hier' (yesterday), so we need the passé composé of 'mettre' with 'nous'.
To say 'You found the problem' in French:
'Dessus' is the standard adverb used in this fixed idiom.
Situation: You are trying to figure out why your cake didn't rise, and your mom says you forgot the yeast.
The phrase is used for identifying the root cause of a failure.
A: 'C'est la faute du moteur !' B: 'Exactement, tu as mis le ______ dessus !'
The idiom is 'mettre le doigt dessus'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes! 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.
Related Phrases
Mettre le doigt sur la plaie
specialized formTo touch a sensitive or painful subject.
Toucher du doigt
similarTo see something very clearly or be close to a goal.
Mettre les pieds dans le plat
contrastTo make a clumsy mistake or bring up an embarrassing topic.
