ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make a leg

idiom
Meaning

To make a deep bow with the right leg drawn back.


Examples
SIMPLE

The actor had to make a leg to greet the queen.

CONTEXTUAL

During the formal dance, the gentleman stepped forward to make a leg before his partner.

COMPLEX

The courtier paused to make a leg, his movements practiced and precise, before addressing the royal party with the expected level of deference.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    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

  3. 03

    break a leg

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

  4. 04

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  5. 05

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  6. 06

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

  7. 07

    enough to make the angels weep

    Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

  8. 08

    fine feathers make fine birds

    Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

Last updated April 17, 2026