What does 'Get your hands dirty' mean?

If you get your hands dirty, you become involved in something where the realities might compromise your principles. It can also mean that a person is not just stuck in an ivory tower dictating strategy, but is prepared to put in the effort and hard work to make the details actually happen.

• Category: Body and bodily functions

Idioms similar to 'Get your hands dirty'

• Hands down
• Hold your hands up
• Play into someone's hands
• Clean hands
• Wash your hands of something
• My hands are full
• My hands are tied
• Safe pair of hands
• Many hands make light work