to-have-a-finger-in-every-pie
/tuː hæv ə ˈfɪŋ.ɡər ɪn ˈev.ri paɪ/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
to be involved in many different activities or plans, often in a way that seems too controlling or too curious. It usually suggests the person wants influence everywhere.
- She has a finger in every pie at work.
- He seems to have a finger in every pie.
- Our manager has a finger in every pie.
Adinary Nuance
This idiom is close to "be involved in everything" and "meddle," but it often adds a feeling of strong influence. Use it when someone is active in many areas, not just busy. It can sound critical if the person seems to control too much. Unlike "helpful," it often hints at unwanted interference.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nhúng tay vào mọi việc
- Spanish
- meterse en todo
- Chinese
- 什么都插手
- Japanese
- 何にでも口を出す
- Korean
- 모든 일에 관여하다
Etymology
This idiom comes from the idea of putting your finger into many pies, as if you are touching or handling everything. It appeared in English in the 1500s.
Common phrases
have a finger in every piesomeone with a finger in every piekeep a finger in every pie
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "have a finger in every pie" formal or informal?
- It is informal. It is common in speaking and opinion writing.
- Does it sound positive or negative?
- Usually negative. It suggests too much control or unwanted involvement.
- Can I use it in business writing?
- Yes, but carefully. It can sound critical, so use it only when that tone is intended.
- What is a simpler way to say it?
- You can say "be involved in everything" or "meddle in many things."