Phrase guide

put one's best foot forward

verb · 1 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 show oneself in the best or most positive way possible; to make a favorable impression.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Try to put your best foot forward at all times during a job interview.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Afrikaans: die beste beentjie voorsit — make favorable impression
  • Chinese Mandarin: 留一個好印象 /留一个好印象 (liú yīgè hǎo yìnxiàng) — make favorable impression
  • Chinese Mandarin: 全力以赴 (quánlìyǐfù) — make favorable impression
  • Finnish: näyttää paras puolensa — make favorable impression
  • French: se montrer sous son meilleur jour — make favorable impression
  • German: sich von seiner besten Seite zeigen — make favorable impression
  • German: zu Höchstform auflaufen — make favorable impression
  • Italian: fare buona impressione — make favorable impression
  • Italian: fare del proprio meglio — make favorable impression
  • Russian: показа́ть себя́ с лучше́й стороны́ (pokazátʹ sebjá s lučšéj storoný) — make favorable impression
  • Swedish: visa framfötterna — make favorable impression