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

Down rock is the most crucial element, comprising myriad movements including spins, footwork, transitions, and power moves in which breakers spin their bodies on hands, elbows, shoulders, or their backs or heads. —Brandon Sneed, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2024

Tatum showed off his fancy footwork in last year’s Magic Mike’s Last Dance after appearing in the 2022 movies Dog and The Lost City. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 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)