not have a leg to stand on
not have a leg to stand on
To have no evidence, support, or justification for one's argument or actions. Unfortunately, the entire study that I based my research on has been retracted, so now my thesis paper doesn't have a leg to stand on. The truth is that the prosecution hasn't got a leg to stand on now that their key witness has been discredited in court. The senator's company avoided paying millions in taxes over the years, so she doesn't have a leg to stand on when she criticizes tax dodgers.
See also: have, leg, not, on, stand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
not have a leg to stand on
Fig. [for an argument or a case] to have no support. You may think you're in the right, but you don't have a leg to stand on. My lawyer said I didn't have a leg to stand on, so I shouldn't sue the company.
See also: have, leg, not, on, stand
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
not have a leg to stand on
If someone does not have a leg to stand on, they are in a very weak position, because they cannot prove a claim or statement they have made. You'd never win. Our lawyers said you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. I haven't got a leg to stand on. I had no witnesses.
See also: have, leg, not, on, stand
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
not have a leg to stand on
have no facts or sound reasons to support your argument or justify your actions.See also: have, leg, not, on, stand
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
not have a ˌleg to ˈstand on
(informal) not be able to prove what you say: He claims he wasn’t there, but four people saw him, so he doesn’t have a leg to stand on.See also: have, leg, not, on, stand
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- leg to stand on, doesn't have a/not a/without a
- without a leg to stand on
- wrap (oneself) in the flag
- wrap yourself in the flag
- (one's) day in court
- (from) top to toe
- fairness
- in (all) fairness (to one)
- in fairness
- at (one's) doorstep