as in assistance
an act or instance of helping
a key endorsement that would give the struggling candidate a real leg up right now
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of leg up
The Hornets guard seemingly pulled Adebayo’s leg up — possibly to protect his arm — in the process.
—
Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Belavi Wooden Planter with Trellis Give those fast-growing climbers a leg up with a small wooden planter that comes with a trellis.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
And so there's a concern, at least among Democrats, that that's going to hand the election, or at least give sort of a leg up for Chad Bianco and the other Republican candidate, both of whom are leading in the polls right now.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
That's just what the VA loan is supposed to be — a life-changing benefit to give veterans a leg up into the middle class and homeownership.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leg up
Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Belavi Wooden Planter with Trellis Give those fast-growing climbers a leg up with a small wooden planter that comes with a trellis.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
And so there's a concern, at least among Democrats, that that's going to hand the election, or at least give sort of a leg up for Chad Bianco and the other Republican candidate, both of whom are leading in the polls right now.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
That's just what the VA loan is supposed to be — a life-changing benefit to give veterans a leg up into the middle class and homeownership.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leg up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leg up
Noun
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The following interview, conducted in Spanish with assistance from his son and Carnitas Uruapan second-generation owner Marcos Carbajal, has been edited for clarity and length.—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
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The company has declined comment on the liquidation and federal assistance reports.—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ryan Glassman 5 kills, 12 assists, 5 digs.—
Josh Krockey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Get Rantanen going Rantanen’s counting numbers are solid in the series — a goal and four assists in four games.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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On the streets, large crowds representing the country’s hard-line factions have rallied daily in support of the regime and against any agreement with Washington that would place Iran in a position of defeat.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
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And there is talk about subsequent budget reconciliation bills before the end of this Congress, which could provide additional opportunities for Republicans to pursue tax and spending priorities that otherwise are unlikely to garner Democratic support.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Add help for Josh Allen or fill some holes on defense.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Cops have now released a photo of the suspect and are asking the public’s help identifying her and tracking her down.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the wide receivers room was in dire need of a boost.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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The factors that have helped consumers keep their heads above water in the face of tariff price rises and oil inflation, to name a few—such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tax refunds—aren’t frequent boosts to spending.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The federal voucher program, known in government language as Section 8, already had been seriously short of funds, with thousands of people on a yearslong waiting list to receive aid.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Due to the extent of the fire and the need for water, the fire department called a mutual aid box alarm to send in help from other Illinois and Wisconsin fire departments.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leg up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leg%20up. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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