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

While Sunday Night Football has a bit of a leg up over the massive Sunday afternoon windows on CBS/Fox, NBC’s advantage may not hold up in the fall scatter market. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The criminals have essentially taken advantage of new, quick but quiet transport technology to get a leg up on police. — Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Rachel Yve, who posted a 20-minute somatic sleep support session on InsightTimer, blends somatic exercises, breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation, including legs up the wall. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

The tote got a further leg up in the 21st century, when an increasingly casual office culture began to leave the briefcase behind, and heightened environmental concerns (and at times, legislation) prompted shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 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