lift a finger

lift a finger or lift a hand also raise a hand {v. phr.}

1. To do something; do your share; to help. — Usually used in the negative.

We all worked hard except Joe. He wouldn't lift a finger.

The king did not lift a hand when his people were hungry.

Compare: LEND A HAND.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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hand

[hand] See: [AT HAND], [BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH], [BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS ONE], [CLEAN HANDS], [DIRTY ONE'S HANDS], [EAT OUT OF ONE'S HAND], […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

lend a hand

[lend a hand] or [give a hand] also [bear a hand] {v. phr.} To give help; make yourself useful; help. * /The stage manager asked some of the boys to […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

not to lift a finger

[not to lift a finger] {v. phr.} To not help in the slightest degree. * /"My husband won't lift a finger to help me," she complained, "although we have 12 […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

turn a hand

[turn a hand] {v. phr.} To do anything to help. - Usually used in the negative. * /When we were all hurrying to get the house ready for company, Mary […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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