get a leg up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get a leg up’ mean?
The idiom "get a leg up" means to gain an advantage or a head start in a particular situation. It implies receiving assistance or support that helps one to be in a better position compared to others.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "one step ahead" means being in a position of advantage or being more prepared than others in a given situation.
The idiom "land on one's feet" means to recover or be successful after a difficult or challenging situation. It suggests being able to adapt and find a positive outcome despite the circumstances.
The idiom "land on one's feet" is a common expression in the English language. When someone "lands on their feet," it means they have successfully overcome a difficult situation or setback and managed to come out of it in a positive or advantageous position.
The idiom "in the lead" means to be in a leading or winning position, often in a competition or race.
The idiom "high ground" refers to a position of advantage or superiority in a conflict or competition, both literally and figuratively. It suggests being in a better position, having more power or control, or having more favorable circumstances than others.
The idiom "helping hand" refers to offering assistance or support to someone who is in need or experiencing difficulties.
The phrase "helping hand" is commonly used to refer to assistance or support that is provided to someone in need. It is often used metaphorically, indicating that someone is offering help or giving aid in a difficult situation. This idiom can be seen as a way to describe the act of giving someone a hand or lending a hand when they need it most.
The idiom "head start" is frequently used in American English to describe a situation where one person or group has an advantage or lead over others in a competitive setting. This phrase, which originated in the mid-20th century, has remained consistent in its meaning over time.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The idiom "have legs" means that something has the potential to be successful or popular over a long period of time.
The idiom "have legs" is commonly used in English to convey the idea that something has the potential to be successful or popular over a significant period of time. Its origins are unclear, but there are several possible theories that provide insights into its meaning and usage.
The idiom "give someone a hand" means to help or assist someone. It is often used when someone needs assistance with a task or is in need of support. The phrase suggests offering physical or practical help to someone in need.
The idiom "get well" means to recover from an illness or injury and return to good health.
Ascending Advantage
Get a leg up is an idiom that is commonly used in informal spoken English. It originated in horse racing in the late 19th century and has evolved to encompass a broader meaning of gaining an advantage or opportunity. The exact etymology of the idiom is uncertain, but there are several plausible theories.
One theory suggests that the idiom refers to the practice of using a step or leg up to help mount a horse. This idea of receiving assistance or a helping hand to get on top reflects the concept of getting a leg up in a race, giving the jockey a head start or advantage.
The idiom is frequently used in everyday language, often in informal conversations or in more casual writing. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, depending on the situation and the speaker's intent. For example, someone might say "I got a leg up from my friend and got the job," meaning that their friend's recommendation or assistance helped them secure the position.
One related idiom is "head start." Having a head start means having an early advantage or lead over others. When someone gets a leg up, they are essentially getting a head start, putting themselves in a better position to succeed. This can be in a competitive situation, where they gain an early advantage, or in terms of their career, where they receive an opportunity for advancement.
Another related idiom is "have legs." When something has legs, it has the potential to continue or succeed. It implies that there is momentum or progress behind it. Getting a leg up can give someone's endeavors legs, providing the boost they need to keep moving forward and achieving their goals.
The idiom "one step ahead" is also related to getting a leg up. Being one step ahead means having an advantage or being more prepared than others. When someone gets a leg up, they are essentially putting themselves one step ahead of the competition, giving themselves an edge and a better chance of success.
"get the better of" is another related idiom. When someone gets the better of someone or something, they gain an advantage over them. Getting a leg up can help someone get the better of a situation or a challenge, giving them the upper hand and allowing them to come out on top.
Lastly, the idiom "ahead of the game" is related to getting a leg up. Being ahead of the game means being in a favorable or advantageous position, often due to being well-prepared or making strategic moves. When someone gets a leg up, they are essentially putting themselves ahead of the game, giving themselves a better chance of success or achievement.
Overall, the idiom "get a leg up" is a versatile and widely used expression in English. Its origins in horse racing illustrate its historical context and its modern usage reflects the importance placed on assistance, connections, and opportunities for advancement. By getting a leg up, individuals can gain an advantage or opportunity that propels them forward and helps them achieve their goals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *get a leg up* can be used in a sentence:
1. She volunteered at the company for a month to get a leg up on the competition for the internship.
2. He took extra classes to get a leg up in the business world.
3. The team hired a new coach to help them get a leg up in the tournament.
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