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

The Chiefs beat Denver already once this season, so a win can give KC a leg up in the division race. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026

Fortunately, there are ways to get a leg up on better balance. — Angela Haupt, Time, 27 Oct. 2026

Notre Dame has more flexibility than anyone, and their schedule in 2026 gives them a tremendous leg up in the race for a 12-team playoff over, say, SEC teams playing much tougher opponents week in and week out. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Private schools generally have a more robust tradition and infrastructure centered around fundraising that could give them a leg up on cashing in on the new federal program. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 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