fancy 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
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
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • 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
Kai, eight, was showing off his fancy footwork in Barbados with the family.
Roo does he remind you of?
KAY Burley has been urged to go on Strictly Come Dancing by fans after showing off her fancy footwork on social media.
Burley urged to go for Strictly
THE cast of Riverdance took their fancy footwork into Liverpool City Centre, above.
Echos of the past 10 years ago..
Find it at Very.co.uk 3 GET A HANDLE ON IT Lippie, purse, brush, baby wipes, this silver tote has room for it all, PS14.99, H&M 4 SHOW JUMPER Polish up your knitwear with this bronze sweater, PS35, JD Williams 5 BOMBER COMMANDS There have been a lot of these jackets this year but this might just be our favourite, PS49.99, Zara 6 SHINE ON Silver and velvet, this blazer ticks two top trends, PS75, Topshop 7 SKIRT THE ISSUE Give us a twirl in Therapy's midi skirt, PS45, at House Of Fraser 8 GOLDEN BALLS At just PS2.99 these earrings are cheap as chips but don't look it, H&M 9 TWINKLE TOES Fancy footwear for showing off some fancy footwork, pointed flats, PS32, Next 10 TIGER TIGER Mix shimmer with animal print for a fashion win-win, was PS28, now PS22.40, Wallis
take a shine to these
It's bound to be one of the highlights of the contest as the stars - along with spiders, witches, broomsticks and ghosts - perform some fancy footwork in spooky costumes.
CHOICE; OCTOBER 31 SATURDAY
HE'S not even 11 months old but Prince George is already showing some fancy footwork.
George is throne on as a substitute
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
The dance troupe Reel Nutmeg will show some of the historic fancy footwork. The concert will also feature instrumental music of the period that was enjoyed in Washington's home.
By George
Tonioli said that he met the former England footie ace when he was asked to teach him a string of dance moves and fancy footwork for an advert.
'Strictly' judge Bruno Tonioli has a crush on Gary Lineker
A YEAR ago he was entertaining audiences with his fancy footwork on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
RUSSELL IS THE WORD!
The Team GB medallist showed off his fancy footwork on last night's series opener.
Mum believes Louis was born to dance
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
CW Spooler vvFirst,f oremost Fantastic Flat phenomenon Flirty fillies' fancy Fabulous fancy footwork Field followed fabulous Frankel!
CHATROOM; The best of your emails
Couples are invited to don fancy dress of their favourite celebrity pair before showing off some fancy footwork on the rink at the Life Science Centre in Newcastle on February 14.
GET YOUR SKATES ON FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
"It shows a boxer strutting into the ring and showing off with a lot of fancy footwork only to get laid out cold and knocked out with the first punch of the bout.
Saint chief keeps on boxing clever; FOOTBALL