Here's what we know:
* The "pie" connection: Pies were a common food item in England during the 18th century and were often served at communal events like feasts or celebrations.
* The "finger" connection: The phrase likely arose from the act of someone sticking their fingers into multiple pies, symbolizing their involvement in numerous activities or affairs.
* The meaning: The idiom is used to describe someone who tries to be involved in everything, often meddling in affairs that don't concern them.
It's worth noting that there are several other idioms that have similar meanings and have been used for centuries, such as "jack of all trades" or "busybody." This suggests that the concept of someone being involved in everything has been around for a long time.
While the precise origin remains unclear, the idiom "finger in every pie" is a well-established part of the English language, and it continues to be used today to describe people who are overly involved in multiple things.