get (your) hands dirty

informal

to involve yourself in all parts of a job, including the parts that are unpleasant, or involve hard, practical work.

Unlike other bosses, he's not afraid to get his hands dirty and the men like that in him.

• the smoke
• the socks off
• the socks off someone
• the soft sell
• the something of dreams
• the something of your dreams
• the spectre at the feast
• the spirit moves
• the spirit moves you
• the staff of life
• the stage is set for
• the stage is set for something
• the state of play
• the status quo
• the story of life
• the story of someone's life
• the straight and narrow
• the straight and narrow path
• the straw that breaks the camel's back
• the swing of things
• the tables are turned.
• the tail end of
• the tail end of something
• the tail wagging the dog
• the thin end of the wedge