point the bone
The phrase "point the bone" originates from Australian Aboriginal culture and has evolved in Australian English to convey blame or ill-wishing.
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Definition
C2Australian Aboriginal culture
(dated, cultural)To perform a ritual intended to cause harm by pointing a bone at someone.
Example
- In traditional ceremonies, the shaman would point the bone to curse an enemy.
C1General Australian English
(informal)To accuse or blame someone for something.
Example
- They pointed the bone at the new manager for the project's failure.
C1General Australian English
(informal)To wish bad luck or misfortune on someone.
Example
- After their argument, he felt like she was pointing the bone at him.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "point the bone":
exercise bonedog bonebone in her teethmake old bonesdouble pointpoint one's toeselbow bonetake pointpointy endtake the pointrun pointclose to the bonepointy head