show ankle
To provide a hint or to reveal partial information in order to gain attention or arouse interest.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The company showed a little ankle to attract new investors.”
“You should show some ankle to make the recruiters curious about your skills.”
“The director showed some ankle about the new project to keep the press interested without revealing the full plan.”
“The politician showed a bit of ankle regarding her future plans to see how the public would react before making an official announcement.”
“By showing just enough ankle regarding the upcoming merger, the executive successfully piqued the curiosity of the board members without committing to any specific details.”
disputed origin
Probably an allusion to the flirtatious practice of some young women in the first half of the twentieth century, the phrase is thought to refer to the lifting of a long skirt just enough to reveal a bare ankle. The gesture was considered a calculated display of skin intended to signal interest while maintaining a facade of modesty. The exact point of transition from a physical act to a figurative expression of partial disclosure remains unproven.
- 01
dog and pony show
Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.
- 02
get the show on the road
To begin or launch; to get going.
- 03
have something to show for something
To have (some profit, reward, benefit, etc.) as a result of (one's work, expenditure, etc.)
- 04
horror show
A horrifying, appalling, or sickening experience, set of events, or visual spectacle.
- 05
keep the show on the road
To be able to proceed with a plan or project, often in the face of difficult circumstances.
- 06
make a show of oneself
To embarrass oneself or others in public.
- 07
run the show
To be the leader, to be in charge.
- 08
show a clean pair of heels
To run away; to make an escape quickly.
Last updated August 10, 2026