Phrase guide

on one's feet

prep_phrase · 4 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

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

While standing up or walking, running, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He's very quick on his feet.
  • She's so light on her feet that we couldn't hear her coming.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Able to stand; hence, healthy, well, especially after some previous illness.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Welcome back! It's good to see you back on your feet.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

In a satisfactory (non-physical) condition; happy financially, emotionally, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The organization provides training and assistance to help the unemployed get back on their feet.
  • It took some time for the lady to get back on her feet after the death of her husband.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: on one's legs, upon one's legs

Antonyms: none provided

4

prep_phrase

Meaning 4

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, feet.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

17 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: dempeus — standing up
  • Finnish: jalkeilla — standing up
  • Ingrian: jaloil — standing up
  • Polish: na nogach — standing up
  • Russian: на нога́х — standing up
  • Russian: на́ ноги — standing up
  • Finnish: jalkeilla — healthy
  • Ingrian: jaloil — healthy
  • Polish: na nogach — healthy
  • Russian: на нога́х — healthy
  • Russian: на́ ноги — healthy
  • Finnish: jaloillaan — in satisfactory condition
  • Ingrian: jaloil — in satisfactory condition
  • Italian: rimettere in sesto — in satisfactory condition
  • Polish: na nogach — in satisfactory condition
  • Russian: на нога́х — in satisfactory condition
  • Russian: на́ ноги — in satisfactory condition