lift a finger


lift a finger

To help with something. Often used in the negative to indicate a lack of willingness to exert even the bare minimum of effort. I know you're watching TV, but can you perhaps lift a finger and help me bring in these grocery bags? I clean every weekend, and you never lift a finger to help!See also: finger, lift

lift (or stir) a finger (or hand)

make the slightest effort to do something, especially to help someone. 1992 Daily Telegraph If the public does not care much for the interests of the press, it will not lift a finger to save a politician from sexual embarrassment. See also: finger, lift

(not) lift a ˈfinger (to do something)

(informal) (not) make any effort at all to do something, especially to help somebody: He didn’t lift a finger to help me when I was in trouble. ♢ She does all the work in the house. Nobody else lifts a finger.See also: finger, lift