English Reference
Idiom idiom

get a leg up


To get a boost or a lift.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

This extra training will give you a leg up.

CONTEXTUAL

Having a mentor at the company gave her a leg up when she applied for the promotion.

COMPLEX

The scholarship provided the student with a significant leg up, allowing him to focus entirely on his research without the burden of financial stress.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    an arm and a leg

    Usually used after the verb cost, but also often charge, pay, and spend: a very high price for an item or service; an exorbitant price

  2. 02

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  4. 04

    break a leg

    Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.

  5. 05

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  6. 06

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  7. 07

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  8. 08

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

Last updated August 10, 2026