lift a hand
Related to lift a hand: raise hand
lift a hand
To help with something. Often used in the negative to indicate a lack of willingness to exert even the bare minimum of effort. I know you're watching TV, but can you perhaps lift a hand and help me bring in these grocery bags? I clean every weekend, and you never lift a hand to help!
See also: hand, lift
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
lift a hand (against someone or something)
and raise a hand (against someone or something)Fig. to threaten (to strike) someone or something. (Often in the negative. The a hand can be replaced with one's hand.) She's very peaceful. She wouldn't lift a hand against a fly. Would you raise your hand against your own brother?
See also: hand, lift
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- lift a finger
- exert
- exert (oneself)
- exert oneself
- lean over backwards to (do something)
- rub at
- rub at (something)
- put (one's) backbone into (something)
- backbone
- put forth