The word 指挥 is formed through a logical and metaphorical combination of its two component characters. The first character, 指, means "to point" or "to indicate", while the second, 挥, means "to wave", "to brandish", or "to direct". Together, they create a vivid composite image: one points out the direction or the specific elements (指) while simultaneously making broad, commanding gestures to mobilize and coordinate (挥). This effectively captures the essence of conducting an orchestra or commanding troops, a unified action of detailed indication and sweeping, authoritative direction.