on the same foot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on the same foot' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean you and another person are starting off in a similar situation or starting a relationship in an equitable manner. For example, "The two leaders agreed to start negotiations on the same foot."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The one-leg hop for distance was performed taking off and landing on the same foot, with the hands placed on the back, and was measured by the test leader from the big toe at the push-off to the heel at landing (cm).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

It is danced with a limping step, the weight always on the same foot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first segment involves the jumper executing a hop by landing on the same foot from which he took off.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not the Presi dent's veto, therefore, that puts TV political advertising on the same foot ing as commercial advertising.

The New York Times

But on the same foot patrol, an Afghan soldier left the base with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher without a sight, which drastically reduced his accuracy when he came under fire.

The New York Times

My 2-year-old threw a fit because I didn't let her wear two shoes on the same foot.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Maybe a tension becomes possible because of this, everybody knowing something different, no one on the same footing?

The New Yorker

But in 2014 the new Common Agricultural Policy should put all member states on the same footing.

The Guardian

From January 2017, though, the Dutch government will put speed pedelecs on the same footing as mopeds.

The Guardian

Here we describe the collective activity in such mixed populations, treating place and non-place cells on the same footing.

Princeton University

Hence, physical terms not explicitly included in the calculation are treated on the same footing with the truncation to a finite model space.

Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the same foot" to emphasize that multiple parties are starting from a similar position or condition, particularly when initiating negotiations, projects, or relationships. This can set a tone of fairness and mutual understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "on the same foot" when you mean to convey alignment of understanding or agreement. The phrase "on the same page" is appropriate for expressing shared comprehension, while "on the same foot" refers to an equitable starting point or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the same foot" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a state of equality or shared circumstance at the beginning of an activity or process. It sets the stage for equitable interactions, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the same foot" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of equality or shared circumstance at the start of a process. While it's grammatically sound and understandable, Ludwig indicates it’s not as frequently used as other similar expressions. As Ludwig AI explains, its primary function is to establish a fair or comparable starting point, making it appropriate for both formal and neutral contexts. Remember to avoid confusing it with "on the same page", which refers to shared understanding, and consider more common alternatives like "on equal terms" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on equal terms

Focuses on equality of conditions or treatment, omitting the starting point aspect.

from the same starting point

Highlights the shared beginning, less emphasis on current status or parity.

under the same conditions

Emphasizes shared circumstances, downplaying the initial state.

with a level playing field

Implies fairness and equal opportunity, not necessarily identical circumstances.

on a par

Focuses on being equal or equivalent, rather than the origin.

in similar circumstances

Highlights the shared situation, not necessarily initial conditions.

treated equally

Emphasizes the fairness of treatment, rather than the starting point.

starting from scratch together

Highlights starting fresh at the same time, but might lack the nuance of similar initial advantages or disadvantages.

on common ground

Implies finding agreement or shared understanding, not necessarily equal footing.

in the same boat

Highlights shared hardship or challenge, not necessarily equal initial standing.

FAQs

How can I use "on the same foot" in a sentence?

You can use "on the same foot" to describe situations where people or entities begin with similar advantages or disadvantages. For example, "The new policy aims to put all businesses "on equal terms"."

What's the difference between "on the same foot" and "on the same page"?

"On the same foot" suggests a shared starting point or condition, whereas "on the same page" means having a mutual understanding or agreement. Use "on the same page" when you want to know if everyone is "in agreement".

What are some alternatives to "on the same foot"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""on equal terms"", "from the same starting point", or "under the same conditions" instead of "on the same foot".

Is it appropriate to use "on the same foot" in formal writing?

Yes, "on the same foot" is suitable for formal writing. It can be used in business, academic, and journalistic contexts to describe equitable starting conditions or similar circumstances. The phrase ""on equal terms"" may be more appropriate depending on the context.