The Dalai Lama’s decision to give up his political role appears aimed at bolstering the post of prime minister before his death. A new Dalai Lama chosen by the exiles is likely to be a small boy who will need many years of tutelage before taking up his duties. It also presents a challenge to China, which has always refused to recognise the Dalai Lama’s political mantle. Now that he no longer has it, China has a face-saving opportunity to engage with him properly. Chinese officials have held several rounds of talks with the Dalai Lama’s representatives in recent years, the latest in January 2010, but have not moved beyond finger-wagging.
I think it can be used to describe a figure of shrew. When a shrew had a quarrel, she would point her index finger to another one and wag her finger in the mean time. Am I right? Could you show me more definitions?
Top answer
The association with a shrew is factitious. Here, 'finger-wagging' means warning, accusing or blaming someone.
— Mister Micawber
The association with a shrew is factitious.
Here, 'finger-wagging' means warning, accusing or blaming someone.
Free · every Monday
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.