The word 指手画脚 is formed by combining two verb-object constructions: 指手 (pointing hands) and 画脚 (drawing feet). The character 指 means "to point", 手 means "hand", 画 means "to draw" or "to gesture", and 脚 means "foot". Literally, these elements together depict actions involving both hands and feet, creating a vivid image of someone gesturing excessively, which conveys the meaning of making unwarranted comments or criticisms.