give the finger

Idioms  

1. Make an obscene gesture by closing one's fist and extending one's middle finger upward, generally interpreted as fuck you. For example, Herb has a dangerous habit of giving the finger to motorists who cut in front of him. Although from about 1890 to 1920 this term was used in the sense of “disappoint or snub someone,” that meaning seems to have died out. [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Like with Hill, the Dodgers will have to decide whether to let Syndergaard keep pitching or to shut him down for a few weeks and give the finger time to heal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2023

"There he is, that's where he still sits. And as you ride by, you give the finger and in that life, it sounds crazy, but that's what they do."

From Fox News • Mar. 18, 2022

News reports about Klopfer going back decades portrayed him as combative and quick to give the finger to protesters.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 11, 2020

And went off during Argentina v Nigeria, cutting short his tactile celebrations only to give the finger to opposing fans:

From The Guardian • Jul. 9, 2018

In the meantime, he tried to give the finger time to rest, which meant cutting back on his usual throwing program.

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2017