leg up

noun

Synonyms of leg upnext
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.
The ship's magnetic catapults are a key component in giving the Ford a leg up from the older Nimitz ships in launching aircraft. ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 That's the kind of divergence that precedes the next leg up. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026 For anywhere between $4,200 and $15,000, Next Great Step can give kids a leg up in the increasingly dire job market as early as their sophomore year. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026 McCollum was reviewed for a hostile act and called for a technical foul after kicking his leg up on a jumper into Brunson's groin area, and the Hawks twice intentionally fouled backup center Mitchell Robinson, and the poor foul shooter went 1 for 4. CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 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 27 Apr. 2026.

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