To engage in hard work or hands-on tasks, often implying a willingness to take on difficult or unpleasant tasks.
When do you use "Get your hands dirty"?
This phrase is appropriate in contexts where someone is encouraged to take an active role in a project, particularly in situations that require hard work, effort, or involvement in messy or challenging tasks.
"Get your hands dirty" Usage Examples
If you want to understand how the business operates, you need to get your hands dirty and work alongside the team.
She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty during the community cleanup event.
In order to fix the car, you might have to get your hands dirty and check the engine yourself.
As a manager, it's important to get your hands dirty sometimes to show your team that you're willing to work hard too.
He always tells his students that they need to get their hands dirty if they truly want to learn the craft.
"Get your hands dirty" Explained
The phrase 'get your hands dirty' likely originated from manual labor and farming, where physical work often results in dirt and grime on one's hands. It suggests a willingness to participate directly in the work rather than merely overseeing or managing it, emphasizing the value of practical experience and effort.