Not lift a hand Meaning in English
expression
NAHT LIFT AY uh HAND
NOT LIFT AY HAND
Definition
To refuse to help or make no effort to assist someone, even when it is needed.
Usage & Nuances
It's usually used in negative or critical contexts to describe someone being lazy or unwilling to help. Similar idioms: 'not lift a finger', 'stand by and do nothing'. Often about chores, group tasks, or emergencies.
Spanish: no mover un dedoPortuguese (BR): não mexer um dedoPortuguese (PT): não mexer um dedoChinese (Simplified): 袖手旁观 - 什么都不做Chinese (Traditional): 袖手旁觀 - 什麼都不做Hindi: हाथ तक न उठानाArabic: لم يرفع إصبعًاBengali: একটু হাতও না তোলাRussian: палец о палец не ударитьJapanese: 手を貸そうとしないVietnamese: không giúp một tay nào - không động tayKorean: 손 하나 까딱하지 않다Turkish: parmağını bile kıpırdatmamakUrdu: ہاتھ تک نہ ہلاناIndonesian: tidak mengulurkan tangan - tidak membantu sama sekali
Example Sentences
He would not lift a hand to help me clean the house.
basic
The manager did not lift a hand to solve the issue.
basic
She won't lift a hand to help her friends.
basic
Everyone was working so hard, but Tom just sat there and didn't lift a hand.
natural
Don't expect her to lift a hand when you need support.
natural
After all I did for him, he didn't even lift a hand when I was in trouble.
natural