footwork

fancy footwork

1. Nimble maneuvering with one's feet. The quarterback's fancy footwork helped him to avoid a tackle. I'm not a good enough dancer to attempt fancy footwork like that!
2. By extension, clever thinking or actions, especially when navigating a complex or difficult issue. Oh man, it's going to take some fancy footwork to get us out of this problem.
See also: fancy, footwork

footwork

1. Nimble maneuvering with one's feet. The quarterback's fancy footwork helped him to avoid a tackle. I'm not a good enough dancer to attempt footwork like that!
2. Clever or quick thinking or strategizing. Oh man, it's going to take some fancy footwork to get us out of this problem.
3. The initial work needed to achieve something. Hey, don't forget that I'm the one who did the footwork for this project, before the consultants were brought in.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

fancy footwork

 
1. Lit. clever and intricate dance steps. The old man was known for his fancy footwork when he was on Broadway.
2. Lit. adroit movements of the feet that help someone retain balance or move through treacherous territory. It took some fancy footwork to get down the mountain carrying the injured child.
3. Fig. a clever and intricate strategy that helps someone get out of trouble. The governor did some fancy footwork to keep from getting blamed for the scandal.
See also: fancy, footwork
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

fancy footwork

and fast footwork
n. artful maneuvering; fast and clever thinking. Ken did a lot of fancy footwork to get out of that one.
See also: fancy, footwork

fast footwork

verb
See fancy footwork
See also: fast, footwork
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • fancy footwork
  • fancy (one's) chances
  • fancy chances
  • fancy your chances
  • fancy your/somebody's chances
  • fast footwork
  • trick (oneself or something) up
  • whenever the fancy takes (one)
  • as, whenever, etc. the fancy takes you
  • Fancy meeting you here!
References in periodicals archive
Manny Pacquiao says he has focused on speed, head movement and footwork
Manny Pacquiao outlines three things he has focused on ahead of Keith Thurman clash; Manny Pacquiao is looking to play to his strengths against Keith Thurman in Las Vegas next weekend
During sparring at the Wild Card Gym, Pacquiao put his footwork to the test against AB Lopez on Fernandez's instruction.
Footwork, speed key for Pacquiao
One viewer said: "Smoke covering footwork so cant see mistakes"
Strictly Come Dancing: Joe Sugg's dry ice obscured feet, fans rail; Strictly fans were not happy that smoke started pouring onto the dance floor during the middle of the performance
Footwork is one of eight companies of which Beckham is a director.
GOLDEN HAULS; CITY DESK
YouTube Soccer sensations Josef and Jakob also known as the SkillTwins will be conducting a footwork Summer Camp July 25 - 29th and Aug 1st - 5th in a 2 week program built to train your player with the best.
YouTube Sensations Skilltwins Jozef and Jakob Return to USA for Youth Soccer Camp
Victoria Beckham's fashion range and related activities made PS34.5m, while David brought in PS17.2m through Beckham Brand Holdings and PS14.1m through Footwork.
Beckhams' profits sitting pretty
We spoke over the phone and I told him very clearly that he needs to be more confident with his footwork.
AMRE'S CHATS ON PHONE HELPED RAHANE
Ogogo, 26, who has been partnered with professional dancer Oti Mabuse, said: "It's going to improve my footwork 100 per cent and I'm not just saying that to justify doing it.
SWEPT OFF MY FEET! BOXING It's Strictly business for Anthony; Ogogo drops his guard for dancing test
There's a great cast of talented dancers delivering the fast footwork and theatrics, but there's also an amazing light show, and unreal stage production values and pyrotechnics.
Lords of the dance become kings of the castle
Aside from the new plays, Stafford is currently undergoing training to improve his footwork. These drills are considered a scientific approach in order to increase his passing accuracy.
NFL News: Lions QB Matthew Stafford Quickly Learning New Offense
And for a few moments, he became the group's fifth member, with some fancy footwork and the occasional body swerve.
A Boro star and his dancing feet
CHICAGO -- Rashad Harden, a house music and footwork pioneer who performed as DJ Rashad, was found dead this weekend of an apparent drug overdose, authorities said Sunday.
Drug OD claims footwork music star
Promising dance talent Paleman will be joined by locals Pablo Roc and Afreit, Craig Gordon and Gang Fatale at the club's Hoochie night tomorrow, whilst Coventry's finest bass/garage specialists Footwork will be hosting the side room.
City grooves to get you in festival spirit
In my experience, footwork is one of the most overlooked aspects of the golf swing.
The importance of footwork
Summary: Hundreds of tango dancers have gathered to show off their fancy footwork in the Buenos Aires World Tango Championships.
Dancers compete in the Buenos Aires World Tango Championship