By the hand vs. by the fingers

[Haihao]

Hi,

I am curious about: *John caught me by the finger(s).

I am not sure if it is because the fingers are subordinate members to the hand that makes it a nonsentence, whereas by the hand/shoulder/neck/arm/etc is all right.

Thank you!

Haihao

[Alan]

Hi Haihao,

This is a bit of an odd one and I can't quite see your point. I can imagine a situation where someone is falling off a cliff or hanging on to stop falling into the sea and another person leans over and catches them by the finger. Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Alan
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[Haihao]

Hi Alan,

Oh that is just what I wanted. Actually I was really curious and doubtfull about its legitimacy of the opinion saying "John caught me by the fingers." is wrong in a book. It didn't seem unnatural to me. Now I have the assurance.

Thank you very much!

Haihao