give someone a leg up
give (one) a leg up
1. To provide one with a physical lift or boost upward. I think I can reach the roof if you give me a leg up.
2. To provide one with support, encouragement, or an added advantage. Our after-school program is aimed to give students a leg up in any subject they are having difficulty with. I wouldn't have been able to afford college if I hadn't been given a leg up from my parents.
See also: give, leg, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
give someone a leg up
COMMON If you give a person or an organization a leg up, you do something to help them achieve success. The experience of that race should give Barry a leg up on his rivals. They have a responsibility to their shareholders not to reveal information that might give a competitor a leg up. Note: You can also say that you get a leg up. Those children who learn English may get a leg up in life. Note: To give a rider a leg up means to help them get on to the horse.
See also: give, leg, someone, up
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- give (one) a leg up
- give somebody a leg-up
- be there for (one)
- be there for somebody
- be there for someone
- provide for (someone or something)
- turn King's/Queen's evidence
- emotional support animal
- emotional support dog/cat/etc.
- supply with