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legs

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɫɛɡz// UK //lˈɛɡz// legs Informal

n. the ability of an idea, story, or plan to continue being successful or popular for a long time. You use this when something has enough energy to keep going without stopping.

n. the enduring quality or sustained momentum of an idea, project, or news story. Informal in register; frequently used in media, marketing, and political contexts to describe longevity.


SIMPLE

This news story has legs and will be discussed all week.

CONTEXTUAL

Investors were initially skeptical, but the startup's growth suggests the business model actually has legs.

COMPLEX

While many viral trends vanish within forty-eight hours, this particular meme has shown remarkable legs, evolving through various subcultures and maintaining its relevance for several months.

Synonyms
Usage

Almost exclusively used in the plural form 'legs' within the idiomatic phrase 'to have legs'.

Pitfall

The idea has a leg.The idea has legs.In this idiomatic sense meaning longevity, the word must always be plural.

Idioms13 entries

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