show a leg
To wake up and get out of bed.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Come on, show a leg and get ready for school.”
“It is already ten in the morning, so you need to show a leg and start your chores.”
“Despite his exhaustion from the long journey, he knew he had to show a leg if he wanted to reach the summit before the storm arrived.”
disputed origin
Supposedly originated in the 19th-century Royal Navy as a waking call.
- 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
- 02
break a leg
Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
- 03
dog and pony show
Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.
- 04
get a leg up
To get a boost or a lift.
- 05
get the show on the road
To begin or launch; to get going.
- 06
hang a leg
To hesitate; to hang back.
- 07
have something to show for something
To have (some profit, reward, benefit, etc.) as a result of (one's work, expenditure, etc.)
- 08
horror show
A horrifying, appalling, or sickening experience, set of events, or visual spectacle.
Last updated August 10, 2026