lift a finger

Meaning

Verb

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

Origin

Compare 1769, Oxford Standard text, King James Bible, Matthew, xxiii, 4 — For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Modern English dictionary

Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.

Word of the Day

Get a curated memorable word every day.

Challenge yourself

Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.