THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Not lift a finger
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To make no effort to help or do something.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- He did not lift a finger while the rest of us cleaned the hall.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
He did ________ while the rest of us cleaned the hall.
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Not lift a finger — To make no effort to help or do something.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Not lift a finger” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To make no effort to help or do something.
Compare: He did not lift a finger while the rest of us cleaned the hall.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it to complain that someone contributes nothing when help is needed. It is conversational and critical.
More examples in context
- They never lift a finger to help organise the meetings.
- I was disappointed that nobody lifted a finger when we needed help carrying the boxes.
Usage note
This idiom usually appears in a negative form, such as did not or never. Use “to help” if you want to name the missing effort.
A short conversation
A: Did everyone help clear up?
B: No, two people did not lift a finger.
A: Next time, let us agree on jobs beforehand.
One more practice question
Which person does not lift a finger?
A. Someone who watches others do all the work without helping.
B. Someone who helps with every stage of the task.
Check your answer
A. The person makes no effort to contribute.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.