Phrase guide

lift a finger

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To make minimal effort; to help as little as possible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • She lets me do all the work and never lifts a finger to help.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: move a finger, raise a finger, stir a finger

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To take actual retaliatory or punitive action, as opposed to just complaining.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • I think living conditions need to get a lot worse before voters start to lift a finger.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lift, finger.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Compare Matthew 23:4.

Across languages

Translations

17 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: panna tikkua ristiin — to make minimal effort
  • Finnish: laittaa tikkua ristiin — to make minimal effort
  • French: lever le petit doigt — to make minimal effort
  • German: Finger krumm machen — to make minimal effort
  • Hungarian: a kisujját sem mozdítja — to make minimal effort
  • Italian: muovere un dito — to make minimal effort
  • Japanese: 指一本動かす (yubi ippon ugokasu) — to make minimal effort
  • Latin: prōferō digitum — to make minimal effort
  • Polish: palcem nie kiwnąć — to make minimal effort
  • Polish: palcem nie ruszyć — to make minimal effort
  • Romanian: mișca un deget — to make minimal effort
  • Russian: уда́рить па́льцем о па́лец (udáritʹ pálʹcem o pálec) — to make minimal effort
  • Russian: уда́рить па́лец о па́лец (udáritʹ pálec o pálec) — to make minimal effort
  • Spanish: mover un dedo — to make minimal effort
  • Spanish: no dar un palo al agua — to make minimal effort
  • Swedish: lyfta ett finger — to make minimal effort
  • Turkish: parmağını bile kıpırdatmamak — to make minimal effort