Put your best foot forward

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Meaning

To lead with your strongest effort, shining.

Origin

From 16th-century England, tied to gait; 'best foot' meant lead, slang by 1610s in a Shakespeare play for try. A 1660s Pepys note uses it for a show.

Variants

  • Best foot
  • Foot forward

Usage Examples

  • Put your best foot forward; nail the interview.
  • She put her best foot forward and won.
  • Best foot forward; show them up!

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