# out on one's feet

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/out-on-ones-feet
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Standing erect but not consciously aware of one's surroundings, or only minimally aware, and having little or no ability to control one's bodily actions, as a result of physical injury or exhaustion.

## Examples

- He worked all night and is now out on his feet.
- You look out on your feet after that double shift at the warehouse.
- After running the marathon in the heat, the exhausted athlete was out on his feet and needed help to reach the finish line.
- The boxer took a heavy hit in the final round and stayed standing, but he was clearly out on his feet and could not defend himself.
- Following three consecutive days of emergency surgery, the weary doctor stood out on his feet, barely able to process the nurse's urgent report.

## Origin

Derived from the sport of boxing, the expression describes a fighter who has been rendered too stunned to continue effective combat but remains upright rather than collapsing to the canvas. The phrase preserves the image of the technical survivor whose vertical posture is a matter of anatomical habit rather than conscious participation.

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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.