IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishcount on the fingers of one hand
Meaning: To be very few in number, five or fewer.
Example: “The times my father has missed a match can be counted on the fingers of one hand.”
Origin: A straightforward image: so few that one hand is enough to count them. No first use has been traced.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Compter sur les doigts d’une main Literally: To count on the fingers of one hand
Polish: policzyć na palcach jednej ręki Literally: To count on the fingers of one hand
More English idioms
- chase skirts To pursue women constantly and flirtatiously.
- not know which way to turn To be so overwhelmed or confused that one does not know what to do.
- watch one's step To be careful how one behaves, to avoid trouble.
- have a lot on one's plate To have many tasks or problems to deal with.
- mend fences To repair a damaged relationship after a disagreement.
- play one's last card To make a final attempt, using the last resource one has.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Es un/una pesado/a A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
- Más terco/a que una mula Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
- Pareces un pulpo en un garaje You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…
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