steady footing

USAGE SUMMARY

'steady footing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a firm and steady position that supports someone or something. For example: "With a strong grip of the rope and steady footing, the climber made it to the top of the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Justice seems to be on steady footing here.

The New York Times

It's better to have steady footing on a bridge than to worry about the tide in a harbor.

The New York Times

Giving with one hand, torturing with the other, he kept the nation on steady footing, as if marching in a parade.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or before all the baseliners like Murray found steady footing on grass, as long as Centre Court stayed dry without its translucent, attractive roof.

The New York Times - Sports

ZETTERBERG GETS 12-YEAR DEAL Looking to keep one of hockey's top teams on steady footing, the Red Wings knew exactly where to start.

The New York Times

The biggest proponent of putting foreign aid and military reimbursements to Pakistan on a steady footing is the man President Barack Obama is leaning toward naming as secretary of state: Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

That was Avila: steady hands, steady head and, for the most part, steady feet, too.

The New York Times - Sports

I smell and upset that is capped by the steady foot of kicker Matt Stover.

The New York Times - Sports

Under 30 m.p.h. with a light and steady foot on the gas, the engine speed would suddenly change.

The New York Times

Any concerns about psychiatrists or psychologists setting up in their midst usually focus not on safety but rather on the possible inconvenience of steady foot traffic, she said.

The New York Times

And yet, traditional retailers like CVS have enjoyed at least one important benefit of online prescriptions: steady foot traffic to their stores.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like economic recovery or political stability, using "steady footing" can effectively convey a sense of restored confidence and reliability. Consider using it to emphasize progress after a period of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "steady footing" to describe someone's literal physical balance unless it directly relates to a broader theme of stability or resilience. Overusing it in simple descriptions of walking or standing can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady footing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a preposition (e.g., 'on steady footing'). Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in describing a firm and stable position.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steady footing" is a versatile noun phrase used to convey stability, security, and reliability, confirmed by Ludwig. It's particularly useful in describing progress towards stability after a period of uncertainty, frequently appearing in news and media, as well as business and formal contexts. While it can be used in a literal sense, it most often serves a metaphorical purpose. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in simple physical descriptions to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "stable foundation" or "firm ground" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid footing

Very similar to the original phrase, with a slight emphasis on the strength of the base.

stable foundation

Emphasizes the underlying support and reliability of something.

reliable foundation

Stresses the trustworthiness and dependability of the underlying support.

firm ground

Suggests a solid and secure basis for progress or action.

strong base

Highlights the strength and dependability of the fundamental elements.

secure position

Focuses on the safety and lack of risk associated with a particular situation.

firm platform

Indicates a solid base for launching or supporting initiatives.

sound basis

Implies a logical and well-reasoned foundation.

level ground

Suggests fairness and equal opportunity in a given situation.

certainty

Focuses on the freedom from doubt that the foundation provides.

FAQs

How can I use "steady footing" in a sentence?

You can use "steady footing" to describe a situation or entity that has achieved stability or security. For example: "The economy is finally on "steady footing" after the recession".

What are some alternatives to using "steady footing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "stable foundation", "firm ground", or "secure position".

Is it correct to say "steadier footing" instead of "steady footing"?

Yes, "steadier footing" is correct and used to describe progress toward stability, while "steady footing" describes a state of relative stability that has been achieved already. Check the examples in Ludwig.

Can "steady footing" be used in a literal physical sense?

Yes, but it's more commonly used metaphorically. In a literal sense, it describes physical balance or stability, while metaphorically, it describes stability in abstract concepts like economics or relationships.