footwork

noun

foot·​work ˈfu̇t-ˌwərk 

1

: the activity of moving from place to place

the investigation entailed a lot of footwork

2

: the management of the feet (as in boxing)

also : the work done with them

3

: active and adroit maneuvering to achieve an end

fancy political footwork

Examples of footwork in a Sentence

The investigation required a lot of footwork.

He used quick footwork to dodge his opponent.

The tango involves some fancy footwork.

He knows that getting enough votes for the proposal is going to require some fancy political footwork.

Recent Examples on the Web

If your footwork repertoire involves pockets and micro edging, the La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoe is among the best. —The Editors, Outside Online, 1 Dec. 2024

Onana strode onto the pitch at the London Stadium, going through the various stretches and footwork patterns before players broke off into a possession drill in a rectangular area no wider than 15 metres (50ft). —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024

But since starting work with a private coach, the sophomore’s footwork and mechanics improved considerably. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

In open media periods since the injury, Purdy has done footwork and handoffs but not thrown the ball other than a few lobs to assistant coaches and the support staff. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

footwork

noun

foot·​work -ˌwərk 

: the movement of the feet (as in boxing)