leg up

noun

1

: a helping hand : boost

2

: head start

Synonyms of leg up

• assistance
• assist
• support
• help
• boost
• aid

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

All for a leg up in a series between the two worst teams in baseball. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Jackson is among the handful of candidates pivoting to the Senate race after running for other political offices, likely giving them a leg up in not having to launch from scratch. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

The cost advantage, loosening visa restrictions and a burgeoning reputation for reliable medical care has given China a leg up against other aspiring healthcare hotspots. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Before the World Cup, Dioz provided employee uniforms for events including Super Bowl LIX and Copa America, which may have given it a leg up on the FIFA contact. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for leg up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup