A leg up Meaning in English
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫɛɡ/ /ˈəp
uh LEG up
æɪ/ /lˈɛɡ/ /ˈʌp
uh LEG UP
Definition
An advantage, boost, or help that makes it easier to succeed or do something, especially when starting out.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal idiom. Commonly used in professional, academic, or everyday contexts for any beneficial support or advantage. Often appears as 'give someone a leg up' or 'get a leg up'. Not literal—does not refer to the body.
Spanish: ventaja - ayudaPortuguese (BR): vantagem - ajudaPortuguese (PT): vantagem - ajudaChinese (Simplified): 优势 - 帮助Chinese (Traditional): 優勢 - 幫助Hindi: आगे बढ़ने का मौका - मददArabic: أفضلية - مساعدةBengali: অগ্রাধিকার - সুবিধাRussian: преимущество - поддержкаJapanese: 有利な立場 - アドバンテージVietnamese: lợi thế - sự hỗ trợKorean: 우위 - 유리한 점Turkish: avantaj - destekUrdu: فائدہ - برتریIndonesian: keuntungan - dukungan
Example Sentences
He needs a leg up to find a good job.
basic
Scholarships give students a leg up in their studies.
basic
Having experience gives you a leg up over other candidates.
basic
Internships can really give you a leg up when starting your career.
natural
If you speak two languages, you'll already have a leg up in this company.
natural
She got a leg up thanks to a friend's recommendation.
natural