FOOT Idioms
The humble foot, though often unseen, plays a surprisingly big role in our language. Beyond its literal meaning, “foot” has wormed its way into a surprising number of idioms. From expressing awkwardness to taking action, these “footy” phrases add color and imagery to our communication.
Let’s lace up our metaphorical boots and explore the fascinating world of foot idioms!
List of Foot Idioms
- Put one’s best foot forward
- Drag one’s feet
- Get off on the wrong foot
- Have one foot in the grave
- Have one foot out the door
- Put one’s foot down
- Under someone’s feet
- On the right foot
- On the wrong foot
- Sweep someone off their feet
- Keep one’s feet on the ground
- Cold feet
- Big foot
- Foot in the door
- Stand on one’s own two feet
- Find one’s feet
- Put one’s foot in one’s mouth
- Shake in one’s shoes/boots
- Lose one’s footing
- Footing the bill
- Light on one’s feet
- Have two left feet
- Lead by the nose/lead someone by the nose
- Feet of clay
- Feet on the ground
- To have one foot in the door
- To pull someone’s leg
- To be at someone’s feet
- To be fleet of foot
- To have itchy feet
- To have one foot in the grave
- To have one’s feet firmly planted on the ground
- To have one’s feet on the ground
- To tread carefully
- To have one’s feet under the table
- To keep one’s feet on the ground
- To land on one’s feet
- To put one foot in front of the other
- To stand on one’s own two feet
- To think on one’s feet
- To walk in someone else’s shoes
- To wet one’s feet
- To take the weight off one’s feet
- To get cold feet
- To put one’s foot down
- To shoot oneself in the foot
- To stand on one’s own feet
- To sweep someone off their feet
- To tread lightly
Foot Idioms with Meaning and Examples
Put one’s best foot forward:
Meaning: To make a good impression or to do one’s best.
Example: “When going for a job interview, it’s important to put your best foot forward.”
Drag one’s feet:
Meaning: To delay or procrastinate.
Example: “The company has been dragging its feet on implementing the new policy.”
Get off on the wrong foot:
Meaning: To start something in a negative or unfavorable way.
Example: “I think I got off on the wrong foot with my new coworker; I accidentally spilled coffee on her.”
Have one foot in the grave:
Meaning: To be very old or close to death.
Example: “At ninety years old, Grandma feels like she has one foot in the grave.”
Have one foot out the door:
Meaning: To be on the verge of leaving or quitting something.
Example: “Ever since the merger was announced, our top executives seem to have one foot out the door.”
Put one’s foot down
Meaning: To assert authority or make a firm decision.
Example: “I had to put my foot down and tell my kids they couldn’t have dessert until they finished their vegetables.”
Under someone’s feet
Meaning: In someone’s way or causing inconvenience.
Example: “With all the clutter in the hallway, I felt like I was constantly under everyone’s feet.”
On the right foot
Meaning: To start something in a positive or favorable way.
Example: “The project started on the right foot with everyone enthusiastic and committed.”
On the wrong foot
Meaning: To start something in a negative or unfavorable way.
Example: “I accidentally insulted my boss on my first day of work, and I started off on the wrong foot.”
Sweep someone off their feet
Meaning: To impress or charm someone greatly.
Example: “He swept me off my feet with his romantic gestures.”
Keep one’s feet on the ground
Meaning: To stay realistic or practical.
Example: “Even with all his success, he’s managed to keep his feet on the ground.”
Cold feet
Meaning: To feel nervous or anxious about something, especially before taking an important step.
Example: “I had cold feet about skydiving, but once I was in the plane, there was no turning back.”
Big foot
Meaning: Someone who is clumsy or has a heavy tread.
Example: “Tom’s a big foot; he’s always accidentally stepping on people’s toes.”
Foot in the door
Meaning: To gain initial entry or access to something, often leading to further opportunities.
Example: “Getting an internship is a great way to get a foot in the door at that company.”
Stand on one’s own two feet
Meaning: To be independent or self-sufficient.
Example: “It’s time you stood on your own two feet and took responsibility for your actions.”
Find one’s feet
Meaning: To become comfortable or confident in a new situation.
Example: “It took me a few weeks to find my feet in the new job.”
Put one’s foot in one’s mouth
Meaning: To say something embarrassing or inappropriate.
Example: “I really put my foot in my mouth when I asked her if she was pregnant.”
Shake in one’s shoes/boots
Meaning: To be very scared or nervous.
Example: “I was shaking in my boots when I had to give a presentation to the board.”
Lose one’s footing
Meaning: To lose balance or stability, either physically or metaphorically.
Example: “He lost his footing on the icy sidewalk and fell.”
Footing the bill
Meaning: To pay the cost or bear the expense of something.
Example: “Who’s footing the bill for this extravagant dinner?”
Light on one’s feet
Meaning: To be agile or graceful in movement.
Example: “Despite his size, he’s surprisingly light on his feet when he dances.”
Have two left feet
Meaning: To be clumsy or awkward, especially in dancing.
Example: “I’m terrible at dancing; I feel like I have two left feet.”
Lead by the nose/lead someone by the nose
Meaning: To control or manipulate someone easily.
Example: “He’s easily led by the nose by his manipulative girlfriend.”
Feet of clay
Meaning: Hidden weakness or vulnerability in someone who is admired or respected.
Example: “Despite his popularity, the celebrity had feet of clay and was involved in scandal.”
Feet on the ground
Meaning: Being realistic or practical.
Example: “She’s very ambitious, but she still keeps her feet on the ground.”
To have one foot in the door
Meaning: To have gained a tentative initial foothold in an organization, career, or endeavor.
Example: “Getting an internship is a great way to have one foot in the door at that company.”
To pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To tease or joke with someone.
Example: “Are you serious, or are you just pulling my leg?”
To be at someone’s feet
Meaning: To be deeply admired or worshiped by someone.
Example: “The audience was at the singer’s feet, cheering and applauding.”
To be fleet of foot
Meaning: To be able to run quickly.
Example: “The cheetah is known to be fleet of foot, able to run at incredible speeds.”
To have itchy feet
Meaning: To have a strong desire to travel or move around.
Example: “After a few months in the same place, I start to get itchy feet and want to travel again.”
To have one foot in the grave
Meaning: To be very old or in poor health, near death.
Example: “With his health declining, it feels like he has one foot in the grave.”
To have one’s feet firmly planted on the ground
Meaning: To be realistic or practical.
Example: “Despite his wealth, he has his feet firmly planted on the ground.”
To have one’s feet on the ground
Meaning: To be sensible and realistic.
Example: “Even with all his success, he’s managed to keep his feet on the ground.”
To have one’s feet under the table
Meaning: To be well-established in a place or situation, especially through family or personal connections.
Example: “She’s been working there for so long; she practically has her feet under the table.”
To keep one’s feet on the ground
Meaning: To remain realistic or level-headed, especially in the face of success or excitement.
Example: “Even with all her success, she’s kept her feet on the ground.”
To land on one’s feet
Meaning: To successfully recover from a difficult situation.
Example: “Despite losing his job, he landed on his feet and found a new one quickly.”
To put one foot in front of the other
Meaning: To keep moving forward, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
Example: “After the accident, he had to learn to put one foot in front of the other again.”
To stand on one’s own two feet
Meaning: To be independent and self-sufficient.
Example: “It’s time you stood on your own two feet and took responsibility for your actions.”
To think on one’s feet
Meaning: To be able to think quickly and effectively, especially in unexpected or challenging situations.
Example: “During the interview, I had to think on my feet to answer unexpected questions.”
To walk in someone else’s shoes
Meaning: To understand or empathize with someone else’s perspective or experiences.
Example: “Before you judge her, try walking in her shoes for a day.”
To wet one’s feet
Meaning: To gain initial experience or familiarity with something new.
Example: “She volunteered to help out to wet her feet in the world of journalism.”
To take the weight off one’s feet
Meaning: To sit down and relax after standing or walking for a long time.
Example: “Let’s sit down and take the weight off our feet for a while.”
To get cold feet
Meaning: To suddenly become afraid or nervous about doing something, especially something previously planned or decided.
Example: “He got cold feet and decided not to go through with the wedding.”
To have one’s feet on the ground
Meaning: To be practical or realistic.
Example: “I had to put my foot down and tell my kids they couldn’t have dessert until they finished their vegetables.”
To put one’s foot down
Meaning: To assert oneself firmly, especially in a situation where one’s authority or boundaries are being challenged.
Example: “I had to put my foot down and tell my kids they couldn’t have dessert until they finished their vegetables.”
To shoot oneself in the foot
Meaning: To unintentionally harm one’s own interests or cause one’s own failure through foolish or self-defeating actions.
Example: “By quitting his job without another lined up, he shot himself in the foot.”
To stand on one’s own feet
Meaning: To be self-sufficient and independent.
Example: “It’s time you stood on your own two feet and took responsibility for your actions.”
To sweep someone off their feet
Meaning: To make someone feel overwhelmingly impressed, excited, or romantic.
Example: “He swept me off my feet with his romantic gestures.”
To tread carefully
Meaning: To proceed cautiously or with care, especially in a delicate or sensitive situation.
Example: “When dealing with sensitive topics, it’s important to tread carefully.”
To tread lightly
Meaning: To proceed cautiously or with sensitivity, especially in a situation where one may cause offense or harm.
Example: “I’m going to have to tread lightly when discussing this issue with my boss.”
Foot Idioms and Sayings
So, the next time you communicate, consider using a foot idiom! These colorful phrases add personality and imagery to your words, helping you express yourself more vividly. Just remember, some idioms involve putting your foot down, while others might leave you with egg on your face. Choose wisely!
