Meaning of finger pointing at the moon | Babel Free

Definitions

Something serving to indicate, as opposed to the thing being indicated.

Examples

“In the Eastern religions we are reminded that a symbol is a finger pointing at the moon and should not be mistaken for the moon, but nevertheless the pointing finger enables us to look in the right direction.”

“The map, the words, the moral rules are but fingers pointing at the moon of experience. Understand the finger for what it is, and look beyond it to the source and meaning of it all.”

CEFR level