put one's best foot forward
To show oneself in the best or most positive way possible; to make a favorable impression.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I put my best foot forward at the interview.”
“On his first day at the new company, he tried to put his best foot forward with everyone he met.”
“Determined to put her best foot forward despite the chaos at home, she arrived early, well-prepared, and smiled through the entire presentation.”
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026