it has legs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has legs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used metaphorically to indicate that an idea, project, or trend has potential for longevity or success. Example: "The marketing campaign is gaining traction and seems like it has legs to continue growing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I'm letting this work go and I hope it has legs to walk on its own".

Vice

And "Spider-Man" has already shown it has legs, dropping only 38percentt in its second weekend and 36percentt in its third.

The New York Times

The narrative covers more ground than it has legs for, and as a consequence its ideas lack that dramatic engagement in the chaos of their own historical moment that might have made them come alive.

The New York Times - Books

The bounce in oil, now in its third day and still looking as if it has legs, has certainly helped, but it is Greece that is the source of real optimism.

The Guardian - Business

It has legs.

The Guardian - Film

"Yes, yes," he said, "the one where it looks like it has legs".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Will it have legs?

The Economist

Does it have legs?

The Guardian

"I just figured it had legs to go further than just what [Drew] was doing," Feagins said.

The Guardian - Arts

MacFadyen said he was "surprised" when the show was axed by the BBC as he "thought it had legs" and said he is "delighted" Amazon has stepped in.

The Guardian

E: Does it have legs?

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has legs" when you want to convey that an idea or project not only exists now but is also likely to continue being successful or relevant in the future.

Common error

While "it has legs" is a vivid expression, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more literal alternatives like "it has potential" or "it is sustainable" to maintain variety and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has legs" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a figurative way to describe the potential for longevity or success of an idea, project, or trend. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Film

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has legs" is a common idiom used to express the belief that something – an idea, a project, or a trend – has the potential for longevity and success. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings; more formal situations might call for alternatives like "it has potential" or "it will endure". The phrase is a concise and vivid way to convey optimism about future prospects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has potential

Focuses on the inherent possibility for future success or development. Less idiomatic than "it has legs".

it has staying power

Emphasizes the ability to endure and remain relevant over time, suggesting resilience.

it will endure

Highlights the longevity and lasting impact of something, implying it will overcome challenges.

it has a future

Simply states that something is likely to continue and possibly thrive, without specifying how.

it has growth potential

Specifically points to the capacity for expansion and increased success. More business oriented.

it will go the distance

Suggests that something is capable of lasting until the end, implying stamina and commitment.

it's a sustainable idea

Highlights the ability of an idea to be maintained at a certain rate or level

it shows promise

Indicates early signs of potential success and positive development. Focuses on initial indications.

it's likely to succeed

Expresses a probability of achieving a favorable outcome, based on current factors and trends.

it's built to last

Emphasizes durability and robustness, suggesting a strong foundation and resilience against wear.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "it has legs"?

Saying "it has legs" means that something, such as an idea or a project, has the potential to last, grow, and be successful over time. It implies the thing in question is more than just a passing fad.

What can I say instead of "it has legs"?

You can use alternatives like "it has potential", "it shows promise", or "it will endure" depending on the specific context.

Is "it has legs" a formal expression?

No, "it has legs" is an informal, idiomatic expression. It's more suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, consider using more formal alternatives.

How can I use "it has legs" in a sentence?

You can use "it has legs" to describe something that you believe will be successful in the long term. For example, "The marketing campaign is gaining traction and seems like "it has legs" to continue growing."