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
Break a leg
Leg up
Legwork
Get off on the wrong foot
Stand on your own two feet
Pull someone’s leg
Legless
Break someone’s legs
On your last legs
Leg up on the competition
Leg it
Break the leg of
Leg pull
Leg to stand on
Lead someone by the nose
Get a leg up
Leg-puller
Leggy
Leg up in life
Shake a leg
Get your teeth into something
Pull yourself up by your bootstraps
Go the extra mile
A leg to stand on
On your toes
Make a break for it
Take it one step at a time
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!
