leg up

noun

1
: a helping hand : boost
2

Examples of leg up in a Sentence

a key endorsement that would give the struggling candidate a real leg up right now
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kelley susses out that Göring is pretending not to understand or speak English, and for a couple of scenes that gives the shrink a leg up. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 Good on you for wanting to help your son get a leg up in this housing market. Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2025 This is not ironclad since the person might opt to continue using their other AI, but if undertaken astutely, the therapist can definitely gain a leg up on understanding the role that AI is having on the person. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Caring for Garlic After Planting Getting garlic started in autumn gives you a leg up on the spring growing season. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leg up

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leg up was in 1871

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leg up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leg%20up. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!