show a leg

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show a leg" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to encourage someone to get out of bed or to start moving, often used in a light-hearted or informal context. An example: "Come on, it's time to show a leg and get ready for the day!" Alternative expressions include "get up" and "rise and shine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I've still got spray paint on me," Bella said, lifting the first dress to show a leg speckled in green.

The New York Times

When Christian Dior tried to assert the status quo by showing below-the-knee designs in his 1966 autumn/winter collection, a small group calling themselves the British Society for the Advancement of the Miniskirt protested outside his London HQ, holding placards defending their right to show a leg.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For a start Cameron might be showing a leg to the wrong unionist party.

The Guardian

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (Frank Capra, 1934) Clark Gable took his shirt off, Claudette Colbert showed a leg and Columbia Pictures became a major studio.

The Guardian - Film

An x-ray of Shushil Sarker, 40, shows a leg bone broken by anti-Hindu attackers on the 5th of May, 2013.

Vice

Twenty-two patients (48%) showed a leg axis deviation of up to 2° (<2.5°) and 39 patients (85%) had deviations of up to 3° (<3°5°).

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Water walkers maintain the ancestral appendage plan where the mid-leg is shorter than the hind-leg (L2<L3) whereas water rowers show a derived leg plan where the mid-leg is longer then the hind-leg (L2>L3).

Briefings in Functional Genomics

He had to show a little leg.

The New York Times

He did show a little leg to his liberal base in Rolling Stone earlier this spring by hinting that climate change could become a campaign issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

It all began when the high street footwear retailer Office sent out promotional emails with the subject line: "Show a little leg".

The Guardian - Opinion

Dresses from the 1930s and 1940s had slits up the side, both to free up movement and to show a little leg.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show a leg" primarily when addressing someone in an informal or lighthearted manner, such as waking up a friend or family member. It adds a touch of nautical or historical flair.

Common error

Avoid using "show a leg" in formal or professional contexts where its nautical origins might be unfamiliar or inappropriate. Opt for clearer, more direct phrases like "wake up" or "get started" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show a leg" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase, typically used to rouse someone from sleep. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its usage in direct commands.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "show a leg" is a nautical expression meaning to wake up and get out of bed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although examples suggest it is relatively rare in contemporary usage. While its origins add a touch of historical color, it is best suited for informal contexts. For alternatives, consider simpler options like "wake up" or "get out of bed" in more formal settings. Always consider your audience and the context to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wake up

Refers to ceasing to sleep; more direct and less idiomatic.

get out of bed

Directly describes the action of leaving one's bed; lacks the idiomatic flavor.

rise and shine

A cheerful and common way to tell someone to wake up.

stir one's stumps

An informal way to tell someone to get moving or make an effort.

rouse oneself

A more formal and literary way to say wake up.

shake a leg

Emphasizes speed and urgency in getting moving; slightly different connotation.

reveal a glimpse

Highlights partial exposure or disclosure; suitable in contexts beyond waking up.

offer a peek

Similar to 'reveal a glimpse' but emphasizes a brief look.

display a bit

General term for showing a small part of something.

uncover a portion

Implies a more deliberate act of revealing something previously hidden.

FAQs

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

You can use "show a leg" to tell someone to wake up, particularly in a playful or informal context. For example, "Show a leg, sleepyhead! It's time to get going."

What is the origin of the phrase "show a leg"?

The phrase "show a leg" is thought to originate from the British Royal Navy, where it was used to rouse sailors from their hammocks. Originally, it may have distinguished women from men on board, as only men were required to "show a leg" to prove their identity when ordered to wake up.

What can I say instead of "show a leg"?

You can use alternatives like "wake up", "get out of bed", or "rise and shine" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "show a leg" in formal writing?

No, "show a leg" is an informal idiom and should be avoided in formal writing. Opt for more direct and professional alternatives like "begin", "start", or "commence" depending on the intended meaning.