at your feet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at your feet" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an idiom to mean "to be devoted or submissive to someone". For example, "I lay my successes at your feet, my lord."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The city was right at your feet".

The New York Times

She throws the diaper at your feet.

The New Yorker

"Patton would have worshiped at your feet".

The New York Times

They're at your feet or at your throat".

Independent

I fell down at your feet and served you, Arnold!

The New Yorker

"The rights of millions lay at your feet.

The New York Times

"You could have the world at your feet," he exclaims.

The New York Times

Guarda guá' chistu ciardino, siente sié' sti sciure 'arancio... Look at the garden at your feet.

Independent

It can flower in the mind even as it withers at your feet.

The New Yorker

The Abbott of St Thomas's will crawl through the dust to pay homage at your feet.

Independent

The whole tale of how people use the river is all there, at your feet.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at your feet" to express a metaphorical sense of having opportunities readily available or to convey deep respect and submission towards someone.

Common error

Avoid using "at your feet" in contexts where a literal interpretation is more appropriate. For example, don't say 'The solution lies at your feet' if you mean the actual solution document is physically near someone's feet; instead, consider phrasing it as, 'The solution is readily available to you'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at your feet" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a verb, adverb, or noun by indicating location (literal or figurative), manner, or state. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it describes availability, proximity, or offering something to someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at your feet" is a versatile prepositional phrase with both literal and figurative applications. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it's commonly used to express the ready availability of opportunities, submission, or proximity. While its register is generally neutral, context dictates its level of formality. Common contexts include "News & Media" and "Wiki", emphasizing its broad applicability. To ensure correct usage, avoid misinterpreting the intended meaning and consider context to avoid a literal vs figurative confusion. Alternative phrases like "within reach" or "devoted to you" can provide nuance depending on the desired message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoted to you

Highlights unwavering loyalty and affection.

in submission to you

Focuses on the act of yielding or surrendering to someone's authority.

within reach

Indicates something is easily accessible or obtainable, focusing on physical or metaphorical closeness.

subservient to your will

Emphasizes obedience and compliance with someone's wishes.

easily accessible

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be obtained or used.

laying my offerings before you

Implies presenting gifts or tributes as a sign of respect or worship.

obeys your every command

Stresses the immediate and unquestioning compliance with directives.

readily available

Highlights the immediate availability of something.

under your dominion

Highlights being ruled or governed by someone or something.

under your control

Highlights the state of being managed or governed by someone.

FAQs

How can I use "at your feet" in a sentence?

You can use "at your feet" to describe readily available opportunities, as in, "With this new technology, the world is "at your feet"." Or, it can express submission, such as, "He laid his accomplishments "at your feet" as a sign of respect."

What does it mean to have the world "at your feet"?

To have the world "at your feet" means to have many opportunities or to be in a position of power or success, allowing you to achieve almost anything you desire.

What are some alternative ways to say the world is "at your feet"?

Alternatives include "the world is "within reach"", "you have "limitless opportunities"", or "you are "on top of the world"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "at your feet" literally?

Yes, "at your feet" can be used literally to describe something physically located near your feet. However, it's more commonly used figuratively to express opportunities or submission.