leg up

USAGE SUMMARY

"leg up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to provide someone with a helping hand, or give them a boost. For example, "With her boss's leg up, she was able to get a promotion in her new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This give me "leg up".

The New Yorker

She has a leg up".

The New York Times

Women need no leg up.

The New York Times

Which has the leg up?

The Washington Post

To give them a leg up.

The New York Times

He lifted his pants leg up.

The New York Times - Sports

The Republicans have a leg up.

The New York Times

A Culinary Leg Up FEB.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leg up" when you want to emphasize a tangible advantage or boost someone receives, especially at the beginning of an endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "leg up" when the advantage is inherent or naturally occurring, not the result of specific assistance or circumstances. "Talent" is inherent and not a "leg up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leg up" functions primarily as a noun, often used to describe a specific advantage or form of assistance. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing how it provides a tangible benefit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leg up" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, according to Ludwig AI, typically signifying an advantage or assistance. Primarily found in news and media, its use extends to academia, indicating broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, the phrase leans toward informality. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "advantage", "boost" or "head start". When using "leg up", remember it is not an intrinsic attribute but rather something externally provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantage

Focuses on the beneficial position gained, rather than the assistance received.

boost

Emphasizes the act of improving or furthering something, similar to the upward momentum implied by "leg up".

head start

Highlights beginning with an advantage.

upper hand

Indicates having control or dominance in a situation.

edge

Implies a slight advantage that can lead to success.

leg up on the competition

Specifies the context of competition.

assistance

Directly refers to help or support given.

helping hand

A more direct term for help, especially when overcoming an obstacle.

jump start

Describes initiating something with external help.

step up

Emphasizes taking action to improve one's position.

FAQs

What does "leg up" mean?

The phrase "leg up" typically means an advantage or assistance that makes it easier to achieve something. It can also refer to the literal act of helping someone climb over an obstacle.

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

You might say, "Her connections in the industry gave her a real "leg up" when she started her business", or "Mentorship can provide students with a significant "leg up" in their careers".

What are some synonyms for "leg up"?

Some alternatives include "advantage", "boost", "head start", or "upper hand" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "leg up" in formal writing?

While "leg up" is more informal than some alternatives, it is generally acceptable in a wide range of writing contexts, including news articles and professional communications. Consider using synonyms like "advantage" or "benefit" for a more formal tone.