on stilts

USAGE SUMMARY

"on stilts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means walking or standing on tall, thin supports typically made of wood or metal. Example: The performer gracefully walked on stilts, slowly making her way across the stage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On stilts.

Independent

"And someone on stilts".

The New Yorker

A bus on stilts?

The New Yorker

That's greenwash on stilts.

The Guardian

It's called piloti, on stilts.

Harvard University

Not on stilts".

The Guardian

Six of them walked on stilts.

The New York Times - Arts

David Obamaa's ad is cynicism on stilts.

The New York Times

In Boston, people walked around on stilts.

The New Yorker

The tiny schoolboy on stilts.

The Guardian - Sport

"My mind was on stilts".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase figuratively, ensure the comparison is clear. For example, "his argument was cynicism "on stilts"" works because stilts create an exaggerated, unstable image.

Common error

Avoid using "on stilts" in contexts where a simple description of height is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound awkward or forced. Ensure the imagery of stilts – tall, often unstable supports – is relevant to your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on stilts" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate elevation or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and commonly used phrase. The examples demonstrate its use in describing physical structures and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on stilts" is a versatile prepositional phrase, commonly used to describe physical elevation or to metaphorically represent something exaggerated or unstable. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and readily understood. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, but also finds use in Academic and Encyclopedic contexts. Whether describing houses built "on stilts" to avoid floods or characterizing an argument as "nonsense "on stilts"", the phrase adds a vivid image to your writing. When using "on stilts" figuratively, ensure the image is clear and relevant to your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elevated platform

Replaces "on stilts" with a more descriptive noun phrase, focusing on the raised structure itself.

raised structure

Generalizes the concept of "stilts" to any elevated construction.

perched high

Emphasizes the elevated position, using a more vivid verb.

standing tall

Focuses on the increased height, though not necessarily due to stilts.

high above the ground

Directly indicates a significant elevation.

propped up

Highlights the support structure beneath, similar to stilts.

built on piers

Specifies an alternative support system achieving a similar effect.

lifted upwards

Highlights the action of raising something to a higher position.

jacked up

An informal way to describe something raised significantly.

towering over

Conveys a sense of dominance and height.

FAQs

How can I use "on stilts" in a sentence?

You can use "on stilts" to describe something literally elevated, like "The house was built "on stilts" to avoid flooding", or figuratively, like "His confidence was "on stilts", masking deep insecurity".

What are some alternatives to saying "on stilts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "elevated", "raised", "perched", or "supported by pillars".

Is it correct to use "on stilts" figuratively?

Yes, "on stilts" can be used figuratively to describe something that is exaggerated or precariously supported, such as an idea or argument.

What does it mean when someone says an argument is "nonsense "on stilts""?

It means the argument is not only nonsensical, but also exaggeratedly so, implying a ridiculous or unstable foundation.