What does “Get your hands dirty” mean?
"Get your hands dirty" means to actively participate in a task or project, especially one that requires physical effort or manual labor.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and help with the heavy lifting.
Example
If you want to succeed in this business, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty and do the grunt work.
Example
He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and do the dirty work that no one else wants to do
Is “Get your hands dirty” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Get your hands dirty” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Get your hands dirty” effectively in context?
You can use "Get your hands dirty" to encourage someone to actively participate in a task or project, especially one that requires physical effort or manual labor. It emphasizes the importance of being willing to do the necessary work, even if it's not glamorous. For example, if a colleague is hesitant to help with a challenging project, you might say, 'Come on, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and contribute to the team.'
- 1Teamwork
In order to meet the deadline, everyone needs to get their hands dirty and pitch in.
- 2Entrepreneurship
If you want your business to succeed, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty and take care of all aspects of the operation.
- 3Home Improvement
To save money, he decided to get his hands dirty and tackle the plumbing repairs himself.
Similar phrases to “Get your hands dirty”:
Roll up one's sleeves
To prepare for hard work or physical labor
Example
He rolled up his sleeves and started digging in the garden.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Get your hands dirty” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Get your hands dirty" is unknown.
Is “Get your hands dirty” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Get your hands dirty" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It's often used to encourage others to actively participate in tasks or projects, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.
What tone does “Get your hands dirty” have?
"Get your hands dirty" conveys a tone of determination and willingness to put in the necessary effort. It's often used in a motivating or encouraging context to inspire action and involvement.
Can “Get your hands dirty” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Get your hands dirty" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of actively participating in tasks or projects. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's not afraid to get her hands dirty and do the necessary work.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "get your hands dirty"!' to imply readiness to actively participate.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- take an active role
- dive in
- roll your sleeves up
- put your back into it
- get involved
Antonyms
- stay clean
- keep your hands off
- avoid work
- shirk responsibility
- stay on the sidelines
