B2idiomworkIELTS-friendly
get your hands dirty
USUK
to do the practical or unpleasant parts of a job yourself, not just give orders
Usually positive, about bosses or experts who also do hands-on work. It can also mean being involved in something dishonest, but that sense is less common.
In context
Our manager isn't afraid to get her hands dirty when the warehouse is busy.
If you want to understand the business, you have to get your hands dirty.
More idioms about work
- a baptism of firea very difficult first experience of a new job or activity
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money