Not a leg to stand on

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Meaning

No basis or support, flimsy as air.

Origin

From 16th-century England, tied to law; 'no leg' meant no case, slang by 1590s in a play for a lost suit. A 1660s Pepys note uses it for a dud tale.

Usage Examples

  • His excuse has not a leg to stand on.
  • She's got not a leg to stand on here.
  • Not a leg to stand on; drop that lie!

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