Get your hands dirty
phrase
To do the work that is needed, particularly if it's hard or not attractive.
If you want to succeed in your own business, you must be prepared to get your hands dirty.
Often appears as...
- prepared to get your hands dirty
- willing to get your hands dirty
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To become involved in dishonest or immoral actions.
The mayor was not afraid of getting his hands dirty and was arrested for corruption.
Often appears as...
- not afraid of getting your hands dirty
- accused of getting his hands dirty
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To do the work that is needed, particularly if it's hard or not attractive.
If you want to succeed in your own business, you must be prepared to get your hands dirty.
Often appears as...
- prepared to get your hands dirty
- willing to get your hands dirty
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To become involved in dishonest or immoral actions.
The mayor was not afraid of getting his hands dirty and was arrested for corruption.
Often appears as...
- not afraid of getting your hands dirty
- accused of getting his hands dirty
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
It means taking action, not literally dirtying your hands.
The volunteers got their hands dirty to rebuild the park.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Usually implies hard work and dedication positively.
She got her hands dirty and turned the failing company around.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphor for Effort
Used to express willingness to work on challenging tasks.
Successful entrepreneurs often get their hands dirty.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
It means taking action, not literally dirtying your hands.
The volunteers got their hands dirty to rebuild the park.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Usually implies hard work and dedication positively.
She got her hands dirty and turned the failing company around.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphor for Effort
Used to express willingness to work on challenging tasks.
Successful entrepreneurs often get their hands dirty.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
It means taking action, not literally dirtying your hands.
The volunteers got their hands dirty to rebuild the park.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Usually implies hard work and dedication positively.
She got her hands dirty and turned the failing company around.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphor for Effort
Used to express willingness to work on challenging tasks.
Successful entrepreneurs often get their hands dirty.
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