leg up, a
leg up
1. Literally, a boost from another person that enables one to reach something that one could not reach on one's own. Give me a leg up so I can reach the dishes on the top shelf.
2. An advantage in a situation or over another person. Getting certifications will definitely give you a leg up in the IT industry. I knew I had a leg up on my opponent when I saw that he was struggling to counter my opening moves.
See also: leg, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
leg up, a
1. The act of assisting someone, giving someone a boost. For example, Studying with Jane, who knows French history well, will give you a leg up for the final exam . This usage alludes to helping a person get on a horse by getting a foot in the stirrup. [First half of 1800s]
2. A position of advantage, as in Because of the advertising campaign, we had a leg up on the competition.
See also: leg
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- leg up
- a leg up
- negotiate
- negotiate (with one) about (something)
- negotiate (with one) over (something)
- reach
- reach (one) (something)
- be miles apart
- swim for
- swim for (someone or something)