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

Just in terms of visuals, this affordable monitor will give you a leg up on the competition. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Moreno says Democrats have an advantage going into this year’s elections because historically, the party out of power has the leg up in midterms. — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

But Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University agreed that voter registration numbers in the red-leaning district and Elijah’s TV experience gives him a leg up. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

That direct link gives Wall Street a leg up over retail traders by delivering Truth Social posts split seconds faster than the public sees them. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 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