command with perfect ease; direct effectively
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to command as readily as an arm directs its fingers; to have perfect control over subordinates or operations; to direct with ease
formalOriginally from the Han Shu (Book of Han), describing how the body commands the arm and the arm commands the fingers. Used to describe effective leadership, military command, or organizational control where subordinates obey promptly and efficiently. Often used in formal or written contexts.
The general commanded his troops like an arm directing its fingers, moving the army with great flexibility.
Having managed the company for years, all departments obeyed him like fingers to an arm, achieving high efficiency.
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Thanks to the clear organizational structure, the headquarters commanded its global branches like an arm directing its fingers.
This unit was well-trained, and the commander directed them like an arm commanding its fingers.