# get one's hands dirty

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/get-ones-hands-dirty
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To get involved with the unpleasant parts of a task, such as manual labor or unethical activities.

## Examples

- You need to get your hands dirty to fix the car.
- The manager decided to get his hands dirty and help the team finish the project on time.
- Although he preferred the comfort of his office, the director realized he had to get his hands dirty if he wanted to understand the factory's daily struggles.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.