👋 “Not Lift a Finger”
The expression “not lift a finger” implies not putting in the least amount of effort, typically in a situation where action or help is expected. Imagine having a bowl of popcorn within reach and still asking someone else to pass it to you; that’s peak not lifting a finger!
Synonyms
- To be indolent
- To be lounging
- To slack off
Antonyms
- To bust one’s chops
- To go the extra mile
- To hustle
Humor-Filled Quotes
“Doing nothing is very hard to do…you never know when you’re finished.”
— Leslie Nielsen
“If hard work were so wonderful, the rich would keep it all for themselves.”
— Yiddish Proverb
Related Expressions
- Letting things slide
- Don’t lift a hand
- Sitting on one’s hands
Literature, Songs, and Movies
- Hakuna Matata (“The Lion King”): Embraces doing nothing as a lifestyle.
- Frogkisser! by Garth Nix: Full of charming indignancy and literal finger-lifting.
- The Big Lebowski: The Dude abides and generally does not lift a finger.
Proverbs
A lazy person’s path is full of thorns, but the road of the diligent is a highway.
Suggested Reading
- Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price
- The Art of Doing Nothing by Veronique Vienne
Inspirational Thought
“Resting and ceasing to strive makes tired minds dream and true artists paint.”
— Anonymous
### What does "not lift a finger" mean?
- [x] Avoid any work or effort
- [ ] Attempt but fail at a task
- [ ] Successfully complete a difficult task
- [ ] Ask someone for help
> **Explanation:** "Not lift a finger" means to not make any effort or do anything, often in situations where one should act.
### Which of these is the opposite of "not lift a finger"?
- [ ] Staying idle
- [ ] Let the chips fall where they may
- [x] Go the extra mile
- [ ] Mince words
> **Explanation:** "Go the extra mile" means putting in considerable effort, the opposite of "not lift a finger."
### Which phrase is an idiom meaning the same as "not lift a finger"?
- [ ] Shoulder the burden
- [x] Sit on one’s hands
- [ ] Take the bull by the horns
- [ ] Lift the spirits
> **Explanation:** "Sit on one's hands" is an idiom meaning to be inactive or to avoid helping.
### True or False: "Not Lift a Finger" means to be very busy.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Not lift a finger" means to be very lazy or inactive.
### Which book title best contrasts with the theme of "Not lifting a finger"?
- [ ] The Relaxation Manifesto
- [x] The Hustler's Guide to Success
- [ ] The Comfort Cottage: Interiors Designed for Laziness
- [ ] The Lounge Lizard Chronicles
> **Explanation:** "The Hustler's Guide to Success" is all about putting in effort and hard work, the opposite of not lifting a finger.
