turn a hand

turn a hand {v. phr.}

To do anything to help. — Usually used in the negative.

When we were all hurrying to get the house ready for company, Mary sat reading and wouldn't turn a hand.

Syn.: LIFT A FINGER.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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hand

[hand] See: [AT HAND], [BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH], [BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS ONE], [CLEAN HANDS], [DIRTY ONE'S HANDS], [EAT OUT OF ONE'S HAND], […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

lift a finger

[lift a finger] or [lift a hand] also [raise a hand] {v. phr.} 1. To do something; do your share; to help. - Usually used in the negative. * /We […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

put one's hand to

[put one's hand to] or [set one's hand to] or [turn one's hand to] {v. phr.} To start working at; try to do. * /Hal does a good job at […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

hand over

[hand over] {v.} To give control or possession of; give (something) to another person. * /When the teacher saw Johnny reading a comic book in study period, she made him […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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