# heavy foot

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/heavy-foot
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A habit of driving fast.

## Examples

- He always drives fast because he has a heavy foot.
- The police officer pulled her over for speeding, noting that she clearly has a heavy foot on the highway.
- Despite the winding mountain roads and the dangerous conditions, his heavy foot remained pressed firmly against the accelerator throughout the entire journey.

## Origin

The term derives from the physical requirement that a driver depress the gas pedal with their foot to increase the speed of a vehicle. A heavy foot, therefore, applies more pressure to the mechanism than is strictly necessary for a sedate pace.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.