Leg Idioms

Leg Idioms

Legs: they walk, they run, and believe it or not, they inspire a surprising number of idioms! These hardworking limbs have become a source of colorful expressions in English. From perseverance to deception, leg idioms offer a fun and figurative way to describe everyday situations. So, lace up your metaphorical shoes and get ready to explore this fascinating world!

List of Leg Idioms

Leg Idioms with Meaning and Examples

Break a leg

• Meaning: A superstitious way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
• Example: “Break a leg!” the director said to the actors before they went on stage.

Leg up

• Meaning: Assistance or support to help someone succeed.
• Example: His mentor gave him a leg up in his career by recommending him for the job.

Legwork

• Meaning: The physical or investigative work needed to accomplish something.
• Example: We need to do some legwork before we can finalize the deal.

Get off on the wrong foot

• Meaning: Start something in a bad or unpleasant way.
• Example: We got off on the wrong foot, but now we’re good friends.

Stand on your own two feet

• Meaning: Be self-sufficient and independent.
• Example: It’s time for you to stand on your own two feet and start paying your own bills.

Pull someone’s leg

• Meaning: Tease or joke with someone in a playful manner.
• Example: I’m just pulling your leg; I didn’t really lose your keys.

Legless

• Meaning: Extremely drunk.
• Example: After the party, he was completely legless and had to be carried home.

Break someone’s legs

• Meaning: Threaten or intimidate someone, especially to prevent them from doing something.
• Example: The mobster warned him that if he talked to the police, they would break his legs.

On your last legs

• Meaning: In a state of decline or near the end of something.
• Example: The old car is on its last legs; it keeps breaking down.

Leg up on the competition

• Meaning: Advantage over competitors.
• Example: Her experience working abroad gave her a leg up on the competition.

Leg it

• Meaning: Run or hurry, especially on foot.
• Example: We’re going to be late; let’s leg it to the station.

Break the leg of

• Meaning: Succeed brilliantly in an activity or endeavor.
• Example: She broke the leg of her presentation; everyone was impressed.

Leg pull

• Meaning: A joke or teasing remark.
• Example: I thought he was serious, but it turned out to be just a leg pull.

Leg to stand on

• Meaning: A valid or substantial basis for an argument or claim.
• Example: Without any evidence, we don’t have a leg to stand on in court.

Lead someone by the nose

• Meaning: Control or manipulate someone easily.
• Example: He led her by the nose, and she didn’t even realize it.

Get a leg up

• Meaning: Obtain an advantage or head start.
• Example: The scholarship will help her get a leg up in her studies.

Leg-puller

• Meaning: Someone who enjoys teasing or joking with others.
• Example: He’s a known leg-puller; you can’t always take what he says seriously.

Leggy

• Meaning: Having long legs, especially in an attractive way.
• Example: She looked stunning in her leggy dress at the party.

Leg up in life

• Meaning: An advantage or assistance that helps someone succeed in life.
• Example: Growing up in a supportive family gave her a leg up in life.

Shake a leg

• Meaning: Hurry up; move quickly.
• Example: We need to shake a leg if we’re going to catch the train.

Get your teeth into something

• Meaning: To become fully involved in or committed to something.
• Example: She really got her teeth into her new job, researching and learning everything she could.

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps

• Meaning: Improve your situation by your own efforts.
• Example: After losing his job, he had to pull himself up by his bootstraps and start his own business.

Go the extra mile

• Meaning: Make an additional effort; do more than what is required.
• Example: She always goes the extra mile to make sure her clients are satisfied.

Run away with your tail between your legs

• Meaning: To retreat or flee in a cowardly or embarrassed manner after a defeat or failure.
• Example: After losing the match, the team ran away with their tails between their legs.

A leg to stand on

• Meaning: Having a valid or convincing basis for an argument or claim.
• Example: Without any evidence, they don’t have a leg to stand on in court.

On your toes

• Meaning: Alert and ready to respond quickly.
• Example: We need to be on our toes for the upcoming presentation.

Make a break for it

• Meaning: To escape or attempt to escape suddenly.
• Example: When the guard wasn’t looking, the prisoner made a break for it.

Take it one step at a time

• Meaning: Proceed gradually, dealing with each stage or task as it comes.
• Example: Don’t worry about the whole project at once; just take it one step at a time.

So next time you’re looking to add a touch of figurativeness to your conversations, don’t be afraid to use a leg idiom! They’ll add a touch of humor and personality, making you a more engaging speaker.

What’s your favorite leg idiom? Share it in the comments, and let’s get this conversation moving!

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