lift a finger

VERB

try

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attack seek struggle work

STRONG

aim aspire compete contend contest endeavor essay labor propose risk speculate strive tackle undertake venture wrangle

WEAK

bear down chip away at do one's best drive for exert oneself go after go all out go for have a crack have a go have a shot have a stab have a whack knock oneself out make a bid make a pass at make an attempt make an effort put oneself out shoot for vie for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idle laze rest surrender

STRONG

abstain agree be idle forget give in give up ignore neglect

WEAK

delight please

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

lift a finger

The interest on their money adds up without them even having to lift a finger.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2026

Others installed products like the Autostop Eliminator, which at $99.99 for some car models will disable stop-start without drivers having to lift a finger.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026

Bond yields would likely rise if investors believed no one would lift a finger to fight inflation any more.

From Barron's ● Jan. 17, 2026

The Manchester City goalkeeper didn't have to lift a finger for long spells, such was the dominance of City's possession, but the moment the Brazilian was called upon, he produced something quite special.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2023

But they won’t lift a finger to organize one.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

lift a finger

Example Sentences

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