In the English language, idioms add color and depth to our conversations, often by using everyday items in unexpected ways. The word “foot,” apart from its literal meaning, steps into many idioms to describe a variety of situations, from initiating actions to managing difficulties. Here are 20 common English idioms that incorporate the word “foot,” each with a succinct explanation and a brief example to help you understand and use them effectively in your everyday communication.
English Idioms with Foot
1. Put your best foot forward
Meaning: To try as hard as you can.
Example: He put his best foot forward in the interview.
2. Get off on the wrong foot
Meaning: To start a relationship badly.
Example: I got off on the wrong foot with my new coworker.
3. Foot the bill
Meaning: To pay for something.
Example: She footed the bill at the restaurant.
4. Have a foot in the door
Meaning: To have a small but initial involvement.
Example: An internship gets your foot in the door.
5. Drag one’s feet
Meaning: To delay or avoid doing something.
Example: He’s dragging his feet on the assignment.
6. Put one’s foot in one’s mouth
Meaning: To say something embarrassing or wrong.
Example: I put my foot in my mouth during the meeting.
7. Footloose and fancy-free
Meaning: Free from responsibilities; carefree.
Example: She’s been footloose and fancy-free since the breakup.
8. Set foot
Meaning: To enter a place.
Example: He never set foot in that house again.
9. On the wrong foot
Meaning: Starting something in a way that is likely to fail.
Example: The project started on the wrong foot.
10. Dip a toe/foot
Meaning: To start something cautiously.
Example: He dipped a toe into stock market investing.
11. Back on one’s feet
Meaning: To recover, especially from financial or health problems.
Example: She’s finally back on her feet after the surgery.
12. Have one foot in the grave
Meaning: To be close to death.
Example: At 95, he jokes that he has one foot in the grave.
13. Cool one’s heels
Meaning: To wait.
Example: He cooled his heels in the lobby.
14. Under one’s feet
Meaning: In someone’s way.
Example: The kids are always under my feet.
15. On one’s feet
Meaning: Standing up, especially for a long time.
Example: She was on her feet all day.
16. Step on someone’s toes
Meaning: To offend or annoy someone by interfering.
Example: I hope I didn’t step on his toes by taking charge.
17. Sweep someone off their feet
Meaning: To impress someone greatly.
Example: His charm swept her off her feet.
18. Vote with one’s feet
Meaning: To leave as a way of showing disapproval.
Example: Customers are voting with their feet.
19. Stand on one’s own two feet
Meaning: To be independent.
Example: She stands on her own two feet now.
20. Keep one’s feet on the ground
Meaning: To remain sensible and realistic.
Example: Despite his fame, he keeps his feet on the ground.
