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Definitions

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:

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

But the Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, could not lift a finger to help the city he was first elected to run in 2019.

From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2025

I stare at my homework, unable to lift a finger to do it.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

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