Meaning & origin

Get a leg up

  • 2 alternate wordings
  • 3 usage examples
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Meaning

To gain an advantage or boost, stepping ahead.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to riding; 'leg up' meant a boost aboard, slang by 1830s for aid. An 1837 'New York Mirror' uses it for a job leg.

Variants

  • Get a leg
  • Leg up

Usage Examples

  • She got a leg up with that internship.
  • He gave me a leg up on the project-thanks!
  • A tutor got him a leg up in math.

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