Lift a hand Meaning in English
expression
LIFT-uh-HAND
LIFT-a-HAND
Definition
To help, especially by offering practical or physical assistance. It is often used in the negative ('not lift a hand') to emphasize when someone does not help at all.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in the negative: 'not lift a hand' or 'didn't lift a hand.' Can sound critical if used this way. Sometimes replaced by 'help out' or 'lend a hand' for a neutral or positive tone.
Spanish: ayudar - echar una mano - hacer algoPortuguese (BR): ajudar - dar uma mão - fazer algoPortuguese (PT): ajudar - dar uma mão - fazer algoChinese (Simplified): 帮忙 - 伸出援手 - 做点事Chinese (Traditional): 幫忙 - 伸出援手 - 做點事Hindi: मदद करना - हाथ बंटानाArabic: يساعد - يمد يد العونBengali: মদত করা - সাহায্য করা (শারীরিকভাবে)Russian: помочь - оказать помощь (физически)Japanese: 手を貸すVietnamese: giúp một tay - giúp đỡKorean: 도와주다 - 손을 빌려주다Turkish: yardım etmek - el atmakUrdu: مدد کرنا - ہاتھ بٹاناIndonesian: membantu - turun tangan
Example Sentences
He didn't lift a hand to help me move the boxes.
basic
She always lifts a hand when someone needs help.
basic
Nobody in the group lifted a hand to clean up.
basic
Everyone stood around and watched, but no one lifted a hand to help.
natural
I wish you'd lift a hand around the house sometimes.
natural
Don’t expect him to lift a hand—he never does.
natural