a leg up

USAGE SUMMARY

"a leg up" is an idiom that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in informal contexts to mean "a helping hand" or "a boost" when someone needs assistance in achieving a goal. For example: "My supervisor gave me a leg up when I was looking for a new job, referring me to several potential employers and giving me advice on how to stand out from other candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She has a leg up".

The New York Times

To give them a leg up.

The New York Times

The Republicans have a leg up.

The New York Times

"Does that give him a leg up?

The New York Times

Really, it's just a leg up.

The New Yorker

Help them with a leg up".

The Guardian

TITLE: Redshirting: A Leg Up or a Step Behind?

Columbia University

"You have a leg up if you are a trader".

The New York Times - Tech

Should policies presume that only minorities need a leg up?

The New York Times

"But if she supports anyone, it's a leg up".

The New York Times

It gives them a leg up, like high school athletes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more formal alternatives like "advantage" or "assistance" in professional or academic writing for increased clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a leg up" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in general, more precise and professional terms like "advantage", "benefit", or "assistance" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leg up" functions primarily as an idiomatic noun phrase. It's used to denote an advantage or assistance that helps someone progress or succeed. Ludwig's examples illustrate how this phrase is employed across various contexts to describe giving or receiving such assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "a leg up" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe providing or receiving assistance or an advantage. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the writing and opt for more precise terms like "advantage" or "assistance" in highly formal settings. It appears most frequently in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey the idea of facilitating progress or success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an advantage

Focuses on the state of being in a beneficial position.

a boost

Highlights the action of providing assistance or encouragement.

a helping hand

Emphasizes the act of giving assistance.

an edge

Implies a competitive advantage.

a step up

Suggests advancement or improvement.

a head start

Indicates starting before others or with an advantage.

a boost up

Emphasizes giving assistance to move upwards.

a facilitator

Highlights one who facilitates opportunity for others

a springboard

Implies using something to propel oneself forward.

leverage

Focuses on using available resources to maximize benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "a leg up" in a sentence?

You can use "a leg up" to describe giving someone an advantage or assistance. For example: "Mentorship programs provide "a leg up" to young professionals."

What are some alternatives to using "a leg up"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a leg up" include "an advantage", "a boost", or "a helping hand".

Is "a leg up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a leg up" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "advantage" or "assistance" for greater precision.

What does it mean to give someone "a leg up"?

To give someone "a leg up" means to provide them with help or an advantage that makes it easier for them to succeed or progress. This could involve providing resources, connections, or opportunities that they might not otherwise have.