Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
do someone's dirty work
idiom
/du ˈsʌmwʌnz ˈdɜrti wɜrk/
Definition
To do unpleasant or unethical tasks on behalf of someone else, typically for their benefit.
Examples
- He always gets me to do his dirty work when he wants to avoid getting in trouble.
- She agreed to do his dirty work because he promised her a favor in return.
Meaning
This phrase implies taking on burdensome or morally questionable duties that someone else does not want to handle themselves.
Synonyms
- take the fall
- bear the brunt
- clean up after someone
