DIRTY WORK Meaning and
Definition
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Dirty work refers to tasks or actions that are considered unpleasant, distasteful, or morally objectionable. It typically implies work that few people are willing to do, as it often involves dealing with difficult or uncomfortable situations, or engaging in unethical or questionable activities. The phrase "dirty work" can be used literally, metaphorically, or in a figurative sense.
In a literal sense, dirty work may refer to physical labor that is physically messy, unsanitary, or undesirable, such as cleaning sewage systems or garbage collection. Metaphorically, it can refer to professional or business-related tasks that involve deception, manipulation, or actions that compromise one's integrity, such as engaging in illegal activities or participating in a scandalous scheme.
Figuratively, dirty work can depict any activity that involves difficult or burdensome efforts, often resulting in unpleasant consequences, such as breaking bad news or delivering unwelcome information, confronting conflicts, or taking morally or ethically challenging decisions. It is often associated with tasks that require courage, resilience, and a willingness to face potential backlash or negative outcomes.
Overall, the term dirty work conveys a sense of adverse or undesirable nature, often incorporating aspects of physical, professional, or moral unpleasantness, indicating actions that many individuals find distasteful, disreputable, or too difficult to handle.
Common Misspellings for DIRTY WORK
- sirty work
- xirty work
- cirty work
- firty work
- rirty work
- eirty work
- durty work
- djrty work
- dkrty work
- dorty work
- d9rty work
- d8rty work
- diety work
- didty work
- difty work
- ditty work
- di5ty work
- di4ty work
- dirry work
Etymology of DIRTY WORK
The etymology of the phrase "dirty work" can be traced back to the Old English language. The word "dirty" comes from the Old English word "dirtig", which meant unclean or covered in dirt. Similarly, the word "work" also derives from Old English, where it was spelled as "weorc", and referred to any type of labor or task.
The phrase "dirty work" itself originated in the 16th century, combining the term "dirty" with "work" to depict work that is considered unpleasant, morally questionable, or involving deceitful or underhanded actions. Over time, it has come to imply tasks that are regarded as distasteful, dishonest, or of low social standing.
Idioms with the word DIRTY WORK
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(do somebody’s) dirty work
The idiom "(do somebody's) dirty work" refers to performing unpleasant, unethical, or morally questionable tasks or responsibilities on behalf of someone else. It implies carrying out actions that the person does not want to be associated with or take responsibility for themselves. It often involves doing tasks that are considered shameful, deceitful, or dishonest in nature.
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dirty work at the crossroads
The idiom "dirty work at the crossroads" refers to dishonest or illegal activities carried out secretly or in a hidden manner, often involving immoral or unethical actions. It implies engaging in deceitful acts or unethical behavior with a sense of secrecy or clandestine operation.
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do (one's)/the dirty work
The idiom "do (one's)/the dirty work" refers to the act of doing a task or job that is unpleasant, morally questionable, or menial, often on behalf of someone else. It implies performing the undesirable or low-status work that others would rather avoid.
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do someone's dirty work
The idiom "do someone's dirty work" means to perform tasks or actions that are dishonest, unethical, or unpleasant on behalf of someone else, sparing them from having to do those tasks themselves.
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do sb's dirty work
The idiom "do someone's dirty work" means to perform unpleasant or morally questionable tasks on behalf of someone else, typically tasks that they are reluctant or unwilling to do themselves. It refers to taking on the undesired responsibilities or actions that another person wants to avoid or be associated with.
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do dirty work
The idiom "do dirty work" refers to completing unpleasant, menial, or morally dubious tasks on behalf of someone else. It often involves doing tasks that others are unwilling or hesitant to do due to the dirty or immoral nature of the work.
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do the dirty work
The idiom "do the dirty work" means to undertake or perform the unpleasant or undesirable tasks that others avoid or are unwilling to do. It refers to taking on unglamorous or demanding responsibilities that may involve discomfort, difficulty, or morally compromising actions.
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dirty work
"Dirty work" refers to tasks or activities that are unpleasant, difficult, or morally questionable. It often involves actions that others may be unwilling or uncomfortable to do.
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