not lift a finger

Idioms and Phrases

Refuse to exert oneself to help or perform an action. For example, Dad won't lift a finger to help them financially , or Early in the war, America officially would not lift a finger . [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

There were several people who did not lift a finger and blew off their work shifts, forcing other campers to step up and keep things running.

From Los Angeles Times

I was told in clear terms that their boss would not lift a finger to support me.

From Seattle Times

Durbin, of course, also has the power to resist that pressure and not lift a finger.

From Slate

Pechman pointed out that the officers’ lawyers, while waiting on an appeal, “did not lift a finger to engage in discovery” in the months the appeal was pending.

From Seattle Times

In the first and only debate of their gubernatorial race, Mr. Abbott, who is seeking his third term, said Mr. O’Rourke, if elected, will not lift a finger to stop the Biden administration from steering the nation further away from the Trump-era policies that strengthened border security and curtailed illegal immigration.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• loiter
• loll
• saunter