feet up

USAGE SUMMARY

"feet up" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relaxed or comfortable position, with one's feet elevated or resting. It can also suggest a break or time for relaxation. Here are some examples of how it can be used: - After a long day at work, I can't wait to go home and put my feet up. - The doctor told me to keep my feet up and rest for a few days after my surgery. - I spent the whole weekend with my feet up, binge-watching my favorite TV show. - Even when we go on vacation, my husband can't seem to keep his feet up for more than five minutes. - Whenever I'm feeling stressed, I like to take a few minutes to put my feet up and take deep breaths.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are lots of feet up".

The New York Times

Then put your feet up and relax.

The New York Times

We prop our feet up on the rails.

The New York Times

Precisely what happened 23,000 feet up isn't clear.

Independent

You can put your muddy feet up, too.

The New York Times

He put his feet up on the coffee table.

The New Yorker

She picked her feet up in sympathy, quickly.

The New Yorker

And then I'm going to put my feet up".

Independent

"It keeps people on their feet, up and going".

The New York Times

About three he put his feet up on the couch.

The New Yorker

Tune in, feet up and have a great weekend.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to rest, use "feet up" to suggest physical relaxation and recovery, especially after physical activity or injury.

Common error

Avoid using "feet up" to imply laziness or avoidance of responsibility. While it denotes rest, context should clarify it's for recovery or a well-deserved break, not shirking duties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feet up" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase when used in constructions like "put your feet up", modifying the action of putting. It describes the manner in which someone is relaxing or positioning themselves. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

35%

The New Yorker

7%

Less common in

The Guardian

5%

TechCrunch

2%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feet up" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey relaxation or rest, often achieved by physically elevating one's feet. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across diverse contexts, including news, media, and informal settings. While its register is generally informal to neutral, it effectively communicates the idea of taking a break or unwinding. Related phrases, such as "elevate your feet" and "prop your feet up", offer similar nuances for expressing this concept. It's important to note that using "feet up" should accurately reflect the intention of rest or recovery, avoiding implications of laziness. This phrase is a versatile tool for describing relaxation in both literal and figurative senses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prop your feet up

Highlights the act of supporting the feet in an elevated position.

elevate your feet

Focuses on the action of raising the feet, emphasizing the physical aspect.

rest your feet

Emphasizes the act of giving the feet a break from activity.

put your feet on a stool

Specifies the object upon which the feet are placed, adding detail to the scenario.

put your feet on the ottoman

Similar to 'put your feet on a stool', but specifies the furniture item.

relax with your feet raised

Combines the idea of relaxation with the physical position of raised feet.

kick back and relax

Uses a more general expression for relaxing, implying a comfortable posture.

take a load off

Offers a broader expression for resting and relieving oneself of burdens.

stretch out on the couch

Indicates a more reclined posture, suggesting overall relaxation.

lounge around

Implies a leisurely and relaxed way of spending time.

FAQs

How is the phrase "feet up" typically used?

The phrase "feet up" is commonly used to describe a state of relaxation or rest, often involving the physical elevation of one's feet. It implies taking a break or unwinding after a period of activity or stress.

What are some alternative ways to say "feet up"?

Alternatives to "feet up" include phrases like "elevate your feet", "prop your feet up", or "rest your feet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "feet up"?

It's appropriate to use "feet up" in informal contexts when describing someone relaxing, recovering from physical exertion, or taking a break. For example, "After a long day at work, I just want to put my feet up and relax."

Is it grammatically correct to say "feet up"?

Yes, "feet up" is grammatically correct when used as part of a larger phrase, such as "put your feet up" or "with my feet up". In these cases, it functions adverbially, describing the manner in which someone is resting or relaxing.