Lift a Finger 👍
“Lifting a finger” is a time-worn cliché suggesting an action requiring literally the smallest effort imaginable—or, more often, the complete lack of such effort. It’s typically employed to call out someone’s reluctance to engage in even the most trivial of tasks.
Definition:
To make a minimal attempt to assist or perform some action.
Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Synonyms: Put in minimal effort, do the bare minimum, engage half-heartedly
- Antonyms: Go the extra mile, put one’s heart into, make a supreme effort
Related and Similar Terms:
- “Move a muscle”: Another phrase used to convey lack of action or effort.
- “Lazy bones”: An informal reference to someone who is habitually lazy.
- “Not worth the hassle”: Indicates that the effort required isn’t worth the outcome.
- “Not pulling weight”: Another cliché criticizing insufficient effort from someone expected to contribute.
Quotes:
“He’s so lazy, he won’t lift a finger to help even if the house was on fire.” – Grandma Always Said
“If I lift a finger, it’ll be to change the TV channel.” – Couch Potato Proverbs
Literature and Movies:
- Literature: Read about Bartleby, the scrivener, who infamously states, “I would prefer not to,” in Herman Melville’s short story “Bartleby, the Scrivener.”
- Movies: H.G. Bissinger’s “Friday Night Lights” features several characters who struggle to lift a finger for the team until inspired to cooperate.
Songs:
- “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars - an ode to masterfully doing nothing.
Poetry:
“Ode to Lifting a Finger”
Doing the least, not up for a task, Behind a small effort, one can bask. To lift a finger, a gentle request, Yet many will ponder, “Why leave my rest?”
Quizzes!
With whimsical charm, I. M. Languidlump May the dictionary of clichés elevate your conversations, or at the very least, let you sit back and enjoy the witty intricacies of overused phrases!
