pointer
small piece of helpful advice
A small piece of advice that helps you do something in a better way.
to give [someone] (a few) pointers on [something]
- The coach gave me a few pointers on how to improve my serve.
- Can you give me some pointers before my first presentation?
- Her email included several useful pointers for writing a stronger resume.
- He asked the senior designer for pointers on using the new software.
- The article offers practical pointers for saving money on groceries.
- My teacher gave me some pointers on my essay.
- Can you give me a few pointers before the job interview?
- The video gives good pointers on how to speak clearly.
- She asked her friend for pointers on cooking Italian food.
- Our coach gave us pointers to help us play better.
on-screen shape showing mouse position
The small shape on a computer screen that moves when you move the mouse and shows where you can click.
to move the pointer to [something]
- Move the pointer to the top-right corner of the screen.
- When the pointer changes to a hand icon, you can click the link.
- You can adjust the pointer speed in the system settings.
- Hold down the mouse button and drag the pointer to select the text.
- If the pointer disappears, try reconnecting your mouse.
- Move the pointer over the button and click.
- The pointer changes shape when you can type.
- I cannot see the pointer on my screen.
- Use the mouse to move the pointer to the file.
- The pointer is very small, so it is hard to see.
sign that something may happen
A thing that shows or suggests what is happening now or what may happen later.
a pointer to [something]
- Falling sales are a clear pointer to deeper problems in the company.
- These results provide an important pointer to future voting patterns.
- The survey offers useful pointers to customer satisfaction levels.
- The data gave no obvious pointer to the cause of the error.
- Her comments were seen as a pointer towards a possible policy change.
- Low test scores can be a pointer to problems at school.
- This report is a pointer to what may happen next year.
- The numbers give us a pointer to the team9s weak points.
- These results are an early pointer to a bigger change.
- The sign is a clear pointer to danger ahead.
stick or tool for pointing
A stick or small tool that you hold in your hand to show something on a board or screen.
to use a pointer to show [something]
- The teacher used a wooden pointer to tap the words on the board.
- During the talk, she used a laser pointer to highlight key figures on the slide.
- He forgot his pointer and had to stand very close to the screen.
- The tour guide used a pointer to show our route on the map.
- She clicked the button on the pointer to move to the next slide.
- The teacher has a long pointer in class.
- He used a laser pointer to show the numbers.
- Please use the pointer to show the city on the map.
- She forgot her pointer for the presentation.
- The man moves the pointer along the line of text.
needle on a dial or gauge
The thin needle on a meter or dial that moves to show a number, like speed or heat.
the pointer on [a gauge] shows [a value]
- The pointer on the speedometer climbed to 120 kilometers per hour.
- When the pointer reaches the red zone, the engine is overheating.
- At rest, the pointer should return to zero.
- The technician watched the pointer on the pressure gauge carefully.
- If the pointer is stuck, the instrument needs to be calibrated.
- The pointer on the clock moves slowly.
- The pointer on the speed meter shows 80.
- When the pointer is in the red area, it is not safe.
- The pointer on the gauge goes back to zero.
- The mechanic checks the pointer on the oil meter.
programming variable holding an address
In programming, a special variable that does not hold data itself, but holds the place in memory where the data is stored.
a pointer to [a variable/object]
- In C, a pointer stores the memory address of a variable.
- Trying to use a null pointer will cause the program to crash.
- Pointer arithmetic lets you move through an array in memory.
- This function returns a pointer to a newly allocated object.
- You must free the memory that a pointer refers to when you are done with it.
- In this code, the pointer holds the address of the data.
- A null pointer does not point to valid memory.
- The function gives back a pointer to the first element.
- We can move the pointer to read the next item.
- Be careful when you change the value of a pointer.
short-haired hunting dog breed
A kind of hunting dog that points its body toward birds to show the hunter where they are.
a pointer [does something]
- They bought an English Pointer to use on their hunting trips.
- The pointer froze, its nose aimed at the hidden birds.
- Pointers are energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise.
- Her German Shorthaired Pointer won first prize at the dog show.
- The trainer specializes in working with pointers and other gundogs.
- The man has a pointer and two other dogs.
- The pointer stops and shows where the birds are.
- A pointer needs a lot of space to run.
- They trained their pointer for hunting.
- Her pointer is very friendly with children.
- Base: pointer
- Plural: pointers
get some pointers from
1receive helpful advice from someone
To receive several small, helpful pieces of advice from a person who knows more.
- I got some pointers from my manager before giving the presentation.
- You should get some pointers from Maria; she9s great at public speaking.
- He got some pointers from a more experienced programmer.
give someone a few pointers
1offer small pieces of advice
To tell someone several small, useful things that help them do something better.
- Can you give me a few pointers before my driving test?
- She gave him a few pointers on how to sound more confident in meetings.
- Our coach gave us a few pointers to improve our defense.