get one's hands dirty

/ɡɛt wˈɒnz hˈandz dˈɜːti/

/ɡɛt wˈʌnz hˈændz dˈɜːɾi/

[phrase]

to get one's hands dirty

[PHRASE]

to engage in manual work, particularly one that is exhausting or of high difficulty

to become involved in an activity or event that is unpleasant or morally questionable, often requiring one to engage in dishonest or unethical behavior