dirty feet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dirty feet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe feet that are unclean, often due to walking barefoot or being in a dirty environment. Example: "After playing outside all day, the children came in with dirty feet, leaving marks on the clean floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Even his saints had dirty feet.

The New York Times

Dozens of people with dirty feet left early.

The New York Times

I'm proud of dirty feet and dirty hair!

The New Yorker

Abbas has said that Israelis desecrate the Jerusalem holy site with their "dirty feet".

Independent

To paraphrase Gandhi, we mustn't let dirty feet trample though our minds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Photos: Circa 1964 Me with my dirty feet in the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But finding the perfect dirty foot?

The New York Times - Arts

Miss Favela is the kind of informal neighborhood bar that Brazilians affectionately call a "pé sujo," or "dirty foot".

The New York Times - Arts

As part of the new show the filmmaker and artist John Waters contributed a book with an unprintable title that includes found images of anuses and a dirty foot.

The New York Times - Arts

This is the best remedy for even the dirtiest feet.

WikiHow

Superficially this is a sign of Caravaggio's touch, for he typically paints people with dirty fingernails and filthy feet – probably reflecting the poverty of the people who modelled for him.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dirty feet" in descriptive writing, consider the specific type of dirt to enhance the imagery. For example, "muddy feet" evokes a different scene than "dusty feet".

Common error

Avoid using "dirty feet" as a generic descriptor for neglect. The phrase is most effective when the dirtiness is directly related to a specific activity or environment. Otherwise, consider more nuanced terms like "neglected" or "unhygienic" to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirty feet" primarily functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes the state or condition of feet, indicating they are not clean.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dirty feet" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe feet that are not clean. Ludwig AI affirms its usability across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias and wiki sources. While generally neutral, its formality can shift depending on the context; "unclean feet" may suit more formal writing. When employing this phrase, consider enriching your description by specifying the type of dirt, thus enhancing the overall imagery and clarity. Avoid overgeneralization and stick to relevant scenarios to maintain effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclean feet

Replaces "dirty" with a direct synonym, maintaining the literal meaning.

soiled feet

Uses a different adjective to describe the state of being unclean, implying a more general form of dirtiness.

grimy feet

Suggests a deeper level of dirtiness, with ingrained grime.

filthy feet

Emphasizes the extreme dirtiness of the feet.

muddy feet

Specifies the type of dirt as mud, implying a particular context.

dusty feet

Specifies the type of dirt as dust, changing the imagery slightly.

smudged feet

Focuses on the smeared appearance of the dirt on the feet.

unwashed feet

Highlights the lack of cleaning, rather than the dirt itself.

feet covered in dirt

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the feet are covered in dirt.

feet marked with dirt

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the dirt leaving marks on the feet.

FAQs

How can I describe "dirty feet" in more detail?

You can specify the type of dirt, such as "muddy feet", "dusty feet", or "grimy feet", to create a more vivid image for the reader.

What's a less common way to say "dirty feet"?

Alternatives like "soiled feet" or "unclean feet" are less frequently used but offer a similar meaning.

Is it acceptable to use "dirty feet" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "dirty feet" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral term like "unclean feet" or rephrasing the sentence for greater formality.

What does it mean to say someone has "dirty feet"?

Literally, it means their feet are covered in dirt. Figuratively, it can sometimes imply a lack of cleanliness or a connection to a less refined environment, but this depends heavily on context.