identify precisely · pinpoint the exact cause/issue
This expression is super useful when you know something is off or there's an issue, but you can't quite articulate exactly what it is. It's like trying to find a specific piece of a puzzle! 🧩 You feel it, you know it's there, but you need to *put your finger on it* to move forward. Perfect for problem-solving meetings or brainstorming sessions.
Imagine you're reviewing a project and you feel something isn't right, but you can't identify the exact problem. Which English expression fits this situation? A. I need more information. B. I can't quite put my finger on it. C. Let's discuss it later.
💡 **Tip:** We often use this with 'can't' or 'couldn't' when we're struggling to identify something ('I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong'). It implies a careful, analytical process. It's not about physically touching something, but mentally pinpointing it! 🧠🔍