You need to pull your finger out and finish this work.
pull one's finger out
idiomTo stop wasting time in preliminaries, and concentrate on the important task.
Origin
disputed originEllipsis of pull one's finger out of one's arse, probably from the notion that one should not sit on one's hands.
If you want to pass the exam, you need to pull your finger out and start studying today.
The manager warned the team that they must pull their fingers out if they hope to meet the project deadline before the end of the month.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated July 12, 2026