lift a finger
idiom
: to make an effort to do something
—usually used in negative statements
I have so many chores to do, and my sister won't lift a finger to help me.
He never lifted a finger to try to improve his failing grades.
Examples of lift a finger in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The best part was, those of us planning the bachelorette didn't have to lift a finger.
—
Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2024
The 35,000 Fifth Third Bank customers set to be reimbursed after the bank was fined for shady practices by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau don't have to lift a finger to get their money back.
—Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 12 July 2024
Years ago, shoplifting resulted in prosecution, but now the merchandise stolen must be of such high value before law enforcement will lift a finger.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2024
Guests needn't lift a finger with the assistance of private butler service, though the more adventurous guests can take advantage of activities like kayaking and scuba diving.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for lift a finger 
Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2024
The 35,000 Fifth Third Bank customers set to be reimbursed after the bank was fined for shady practices by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau don't have to lift a finger to get their money back.
—Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 12 July 2024
Years ago, shoplifting resulted in prosecution, but now the merchandise stolen must be of such high value before law enforcement will lift a finger.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2024
Guests needn't lift a finger with the assistance of private butler service, though the more adventurous guests can take advantage of activities like kayaking and scuba diving.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for lift a finger
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lift a finger.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lift a finger
Cite this Entry
“Lift a finger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lift%20a%20finger. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share