Wednesday, 16 August 2023

 The SPEAKER (14:35): Earlier today the member for Berwick raised a point of order about my ruling on the use of the phrase ‘to pull one’s finger out’ and its variants. I did enjoy hearing the etymology of the phrase from the member for Berwick. However, on further reflection, I remain of the opinion about the phrase ‘pull your finger out’, its finger out or any finger out, that despite the origin of the phrase, its use in modern context is markedly different. I am sure I do not need to elaborate on this point. We all know what the phrase is referring to, and I expect all members to find more elegant ways of making their point known in future.