Phrase guide

get a leg up

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To get a boost or a lift.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I can climb over the fence if I get a leg up from you.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To gain some advantage; to get a head start.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He hopes that all the extra advertising will allow him to get a leg up on the competition.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: een stap voor zijn — To gain some advantage; to get a head start.
  • Russian: быть на шаг впереди (bytʹ na šag vperedi) — To gain some advantage; to get a head start.
  • Russian: получить преимущество (polučitʹ preimuščestvo) — To gain some advantage; to get a head start.