Idioms with word foot

Are you looking for some useful foot idioms?

You are in the right place.

In this post, we will discuss 55 foot idioms that will make you sound like a native English speaker.

foot idioms

1. To Put One’s Best Foot Forward

  • Meaning: to make a good first impression.
  • Use In A Sentence: I told Mark he needs to put his best foot forward if he wants to do well on the job interview.

2. To Be Caught On The Wrong Foot

  • Meaning: to be caught by surprise or to not be ready for something because it happened so suddenly and unexpectedly.
  • Use In A Sentence: It seems I caught Diane on the wrong foot when she answered the door in her pajamas.

3. To Bind/Tie Someone Hand And Foot

  • Meaning: to restrict a person’s freedom to do something.
  • Use In A Sentence: Mark is bound hand and foot by his new contract. He can’t take a vacation for at least six months.

4. To Have A Foot In Both Camps

  • Meaning: to support two opposing groups of people.
  • Use In A Sentence: I don’t know if I trust Joe’s judgment, he has a foot in both camps.

5. To Have/Get A Foot In The Door

  • Meaning: a chance to do something that oftentimes will lead to more opportunities.
  • Use In A Sentence: I think you should work for John. It may not pay the most money, but it is a good way to get your foot in the door and possibly get a better job in the future.

6. To Foot The Bill

  • Meaning: to pay for something.
  • Use In A Sentence: I went to lunch with Jack this afternoon and he foot the bill.

7. To Get Off / Start Off On The Right Foot

  • Meaning: a positive start. To start something or begin something well.
  • Use In A Sentence: In order to start off on the right foot, get to know your co-workers as soon as possible.

8. To Get Off / Start Off On The Wrong Foot

  • Meaning: an unfavorable start or beginning of something. To have a bad start
  • Use In A Sentence: I got off on the wrong foot by telling my mother-in-law that I wanted to live far away from here.

9. To Have A Lead Foot

  • Meaning: used to describe a person that tends to drive fast.
  • Use In A Sentence: Tommy is known to have a lead foot. I have no doubt we will get to Milwaukee by the 6 o’clock deadline.

10. To Have The Shoe On The Other Foot

  • Meaning: a situation where the opposite is true. When someone’s situation has changed into another person’s situation.
  • Use In A Sentence: Before Mark always had health problems, but now the shoe is on the other foot and I am the one with all the health problems.

11. My Foot!

  • Meaning: an expression used to express disbelief.
  • Use In A Sentence: A ninety-nine dollar seafood platter? My foot! I don’t have ninety nine dollars to spend on a meal!

12. To Not Put/Set A Foot Wrong

  • Meaning: used to describe someone who seems not to make any mistakes.
  • Use In A Sentence: My brother never puts a foot wrong in my mother’s eyes.

13. To Have One Foot In The Grave

  • Meaning: Someone who is very sick or very old and is going to die very soon.
  • Use In A Sentence: The doctor says he has one foot in the grave and he probably won’t last much longer.

14. On Foot

  • Meaning: to travel by walking.
  • Use In A Sentence: My truck broke down so I had to go to work on foot.

15. To Put One’s Foot Down

  • Meaning: to take a firm stand on something. To be unyielding.
  • Use In A Sentence: I put my foot down and told them that I was not going to the party.

16. To Put One’s Foot To The Floor

  • Meaning: to drive quickly.
  • Use In A Sentence: I had to put my foot to the floor to make it to the movies on time.

17. To Put One Foot In Front Of The Other

  • Meaning: to do something carefully and deliberately.
  • Use In A Sentence: Don’t worry. There is nothing to be concerned about. Let’s just focus on putting one foot in front of the other and I am sure everything will be okay.

18. To Put One’s Foot In One’s Mouth

  • Meaning: to say something you regret. Usually something hurtful or stupid.
  • Use In A Sentence: Mario always puts his foot in his mouth. His wife continually reminds him to think before he speaks.

19. Set Foot In/On Something

  • Meaning: to visit a place.
  • Use In A Sentence: Are you excited about your trip? Yes, I have never set foot in Germany before.

20. To Shoot Oneself In The Foot

  • Meaning: to inadvertently ruin your plans/progress/success by something one says or does.
  • Use In A Sentence: I shot myself in the foot when I told my boss what I really thought.

21. To Wait On Somebody Hand And Foot

  • Meaning: to do everything for someone.
  • Use In A Sentence: His mother waits on him hand and foot. He doesn’t have to do anything.

22. To Be On The Back Foot

  • Meaning: to be in an unfavorable position. To retreat.
  • Use In A Sentence: My plan to buy a new house has been on the back foot ever since I lost my jobs.

23. Blisterfoot

  • Meaning: used to describe someone who spends a lot of time walking.
  • Use In A Sentence: The blisterfoot soliders were tired after a long day of work.

24. From Head To Foot/Toe

  • Meaning: one’s entire body.
  • Use In A Sentence: After his morning walk, our dog Sulley was covered from head to toe in mud.

25. To Live Under The Cat’s Foot

  • Meaning: to be nagged by another person.
  • Use In A Sentence: Tom has been living under the cat’s foot ever since the day he got married.

26. To Hotfoot It

  • Meaning: to walk somewhere as quickly as possible.
  • Use In A Sentence: We need to hotfoot it out of here before the teacher comes back into the classroom.

27. Fleet Of Foot

  • Meaning: to be able to run quickly.
  • Use In A Sentence: Cindy who was known to be a fleet of foot outran the other competitors and won the race.

28. Foot In Mouth Disease

  • Meaning: used to describe someone who tends to say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
  • Use In A Sentence: Jessica suffers from foot in mouth disease.

29. To Have One’s Foot On Someone’s Neck

  • Meaning: to be in a position of control over somebody.
  • Use In A Sentence: It appears Dave had his foot on Mark’s neck during the negotiations.

30. Flatfoot

  • Meaning: used to describe a person who is clumsy and awkward.
  • Use In A Sentence: I don’t know if I would want Sally to carry that glass table. She is so flatfooted!

31. To Foot Up

  • Meaning: to add something; to total.
  • Use In A Sentence: Jerry asked Michelle to foot up the costs of the project.

32. Footloose And Fancy-Free

  • Meaning: to do whatever you want without any commitments or obligations. It is usually used to refer to relationship commitments.
  • Use In A Sentence: Now that she broke up with Steve she is footloose and fancy-free.

33. To Get A Foothold On Something

  • Meaning: to be in a stable position so as to progress.
  • Use In A Sentence: Taking this job has really helped him get a foothold in the marketing industry.

34. To Have Both Feet On The Ground

  • Meaning: to be grounded. To have a realistic viewpoint about one’s goals or ideas.
  • Use In A Sentence: I enjoyed talking with Steve about his plans for the future. He seems to have both feet on the ground.

35. To Be At Someone’s Feet

  • Meaning: to be fascinated by someone and thus being influenced by them.
  • Use In A Sentence: As a young child, he was always at his father’s feet.

36. To Drag One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to move slowly because one does not want to do something.
  • Use In A Sentence: Will you quit dragging your feet. Go upstairs and wash your hands for dinner.

37. To Be Light On Your Feet

  • Meaning: to be able to move quickly and gracefully.
  • Use In A Sentence: I knew he liked to play sports, but I never expected him to be so light on his feet on the dance floor.

38. To Be Run Off One’s Feet

  • Meaning: used to describe someone who is very busy.
  • Use In A Sentence: Sue was run off her feet with the school girls visiting.

39. To Get Rushed Off One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to be worked very hard so that one is especially busy.
  • Use In A Sentence: We are going to have 25 people at our house tonight. Everyone is going to get rushed off their feet.

40. To Get Cold Feet

  • Meaning: to be anxious or nervous about doing something new, usually at the last minute.
  • Use In A Sentence: Billy always told me he wanted to ride the new roller coaster, but after he saw how big it was he got cold feet and decided not to go.

41. To Come To One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to stand up usually to applaud or to cheer.
  • Use In A Sentence: Suddenly the entire audience came to their feet and they started singing

42. To Be Dead On One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to be extremely tired to the point of falling asleep while on your feet.
  • Use In A Sentence: After working a double shift he was dead on his feet.

43. To Land On One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to successfully deal with a difficult situation.
  • Use In A Sentence: I wouldn’t worry about Stephanie. Even in the most difficult situations she always tends to land on her feet.

44. To Get One’s Feet Wet

  • Meaning: to try something new for the first time.
  • Use In A Sentence: Larry got his feet wet in the cleaning business by working with his older brother.

45. To Get/Have Itchy Feet

  • Meaning: to have the urge (itch) to travel, change jobs, move or break away from the same daily routine.
  • Use In A Sentence: Fernando has a hard time keeping a job for a long time. After a few years, he gets itchy feet to move somewhere else.

46. To Have Clay Feet

  • Meaning: to have a weakness.
  • Use In A Sentence: Even though Hollywood stars seem to be perfect they too have clay feet.

47. To Jump In With Both Feet

  • Meaning: to start something enthusiastically.
  • Use In A Sentence: Corey was hesitant about the new job. However, Ryan jumped in with both feet.

48. To Pull The Carpet / Rug Out From One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to suddenly, unexpectedly remove the help or assistance from someone.
  • Use In A Sentence: I would love to quit my job and start my own business, but I can’t just pull the carpet out from their feet like that.

49. To Regain One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to stand up after falling down. It can also mean to recover from a financial problem.
  • Use In A Sentence: I helped Megan regain her feet after she fell on the ground.

50. To Stand On One’s Own Two Feet

  • Meaning: to be independent, no longer needing assistance or support from other people.
  • Use In A Sentence: After losing his job, Gary’s parents helped him out until he was able to stand on his own two feet.

51. To Shake The Dust Off one’s Feet

  • Meaning: to leave a situation indignantly or disdainfully.
  • Use In A Sentence: The best thing you can do when someone hurts you is to shake the dust off your feet and move on.

52. To Sweep One Off One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to quickly and oftentimes unexpectedly charm someone.
  • Use In A Sentence: All women want a man who can sweep them off their feet.

53. To Think On Your Feet

  • Meaning: to think quickly. To think clearly in a difficult situation.
  • Use In A Sentence: I was glad Dan was able to think on his feet and come up with a solution so quickly. Without him, we wouldn’t have finished on time.

54. To Take A Load Off One’s Feet

  • Meaning: to sit down and rest; to lie down.
  • Use In A Sentence: I think you just need to go home and take a load off your feet.

55. To Vote With One’s Feet

  • Meaning: To show your disapproval by walking away.
  • Use In A Sentence: If they don’t like the coffee shop they will vote with their feet and go somewhere else.

There you have it! 55 Foot idioms. Which one is your favorite?

Foot idioms

Foot idioms

>Пришло время для интересных идиом, которые можно легко и быстро выучить, а затем использовать их в общении с иностранными друзьями, показывая свою просвещенность и образованность. В данной статье мы познакомим вас с выражениями, связанными со словом «нога» или «ноги». Итак, начнем.

1. Cold feet – дословно «холодные ноги». Но не все так просто. Дело в том, что «cold feet» означает «трусость» , а если нужно сказать, что кто-то струсил, мы скажем «he got cold feet» (в русском языке есть похожее выражение — «сердце в пятки ушло»)

  • On seeing bandits the poor man got cold feet and ran away as fast as he could – увидев бандитов, бедняга перепугался и дал деру.

Еще одним значением «cold feet» является «колебаться в последний решающий момент», как например перед свадьбой. В деловом английском это выражение означает «не желать заключать сделку».

2. to get your foot in the door – «просунуть ногу в дверь» — это выражение означает «иметь возможность/шанс зацепиться за какую-то работу, или сделать первый шаг в сторону новых отношений» . В деловом английском это выражение переводится как «сделать первый шаг в развитии деловых отношений». Также это выражение можно трактовать как «согласиться на худшую работу, чтобы впоследствии перейти на лучшую», — в любом случае – это «первый шаг» в любом деле.

  • You will not get ahead by sitting at home. Take this job and get your foot in the door. – ты не продвинешься, если будешь дома сидеть. Зацепись за эту работу и сделай первый шаг в своей карьере.

3. to put your foot in the mouth – дословно «засунуть ногу в рот» (помните — «в рот мне ноги!» :-)) . А значит это вот что – «ляпнуть что-то, не подумав», «попасть впросак».

  •  When I asked the fat woman where she was going to have her child I really put my feet in the mouth, as she was not pregnant – когда я спросила толстую женщину, где она собирается рожать, я попала впросак, т.к. она не была беременна.

4. shoes on the other foot – это выражение означает, что обстоятельства изменились и ответственность теперь лежит на другом.

  • You can’t take the decision alone — now shoes are on the other foot – вы не можете самостоятельно принимать решение – обстоятельства изменились.

5. to put your foot downпринимать твердое решение, решительно воспротивиться, занять твердую позицию.

  •  She has put her foot down and will never marry him – она приняла твердое решение и никогда не выйдет за него.

prosba avtora

Foot Idioms: Do you happen to know the meaning of having an itchy foot or getting cold feet? If yes, then brilliant, but if no, then you’ve come to the right place. This article talks about various foot idioms, including itchy foot idiom and cold feet idiom.

In the English language, there are numerous idioms on different topics. Idioms on toes and feet are also present in a considerable number. If you are an excellent native English language speaker, these idioms will help you hold a fluent conversation.

Enrich your Vocabulary by practicing the English Idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversations and understand their actual meaning.

Since there are many idioms related to the foot, it becomes pretty challenging to keep track of them with their meanings. One might get confused if they are asked to make a foot phrase meaning correctly. Hence for easy remembrance, a list of foot idioms and their proper meaning and examples is provided to you in this article.

  • Meaning and Examples of some commonly used Foot Idioms

List of Foot Idioms

  • Get your feet wet
  • Take the
  • load off your feet
  • Dead on my feet
  • Cold feet
  • Find your feet
  • Get itchy feet
  • Stand on your own two feet
  • Sweep someone off their feet
  • Think on your feet
  • Put one’s foot in one’s mouth
  • Put one’s best foot forward
  • Be caught on the wrong foot
  • Have a foot in both camps
  • Get a foot in the door
  • Foot the bill
  • Start on the right foot
  • Have a lead foot
  • The shoe on the other foot
  • My foot!
  • Not put a foot wrong
  • Have one foot in the grave
  • On foot
  • Have the world at one’s feet
  • Walk someone off their feet
  • Vote with one’s feet
  • Under someone’s feet
  • Two left feet
  • Throw oneself at someone’s feet
  • The patter of tiny feet
  • Shake the dust from one’s feet
  • Sit at one’s feet
  • Regain feet
  • Put one’s feet up
  • Don’t let the grass grow under one’s feet
  • Keep both feet on the ground
  • Drag one’s feet
  • A closed mouth gathers no feet
  • Tread on one’s toe
  • Pull the rug from under one’s feet
  • Feet of clay
  • Put one’s foot down
  • Shoot oneself in the foot

Meaning and Examples of some commonly used

Get your feet wet

Meaning: To slowly and simply doing a new activity to get oneself accustomed to it.

Example: Jinal finally decided to get her feet wet and start doing yoga.

Take the load off your feet

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of relaxing oneself by sitting or lying down.

Example: After walking for a mile, Molly decided to sit down and take the load off her feet.

Dead on my feet

Meaning: This phrase is utilized when someone is tired yet is continuing to stand or work.

Example: The band were dead on their feet but yet went on performing in the concert.

Cold feet

Meaning: This phrase is utilized when one is uncertain and feels afraid about doing something or lacks courage and confidence.

Example: Troy wanted to participate in the dance competition, but he got cold feet.

Find your feet

Meaning: This idiom describes the situation when one starts feeling comfortable and gains confidence in a new environment or situation.

Example: Julia finally found her feet in America after getting settled.

Get itchy feet

Meaning: This phrase is used when one gets a strong desire to travel somewhere, leaving behind the place they are in.

Example: Due to the pandemic, Gargi couldn’t travel anywhere, but now she has itchy feet and wants to travel.

Stand on your own two feet

Meaning: Used when an individual can support and fund oneself with all their needs without any help from anyone.

Example: Before marriage, I want to stand on my own two feet so that I don’t have to depend on my husband.

Sweep someone off their feet

Meaning: When an individual is successful in attracting another individual towards them in a romantic way.

Example: Jim’s unconditional love and sweet gestures swept Pam off her feet.

Think on your feet

Meaning: This idiom describes the situation where an individual reacts very quickly, keep one’s mind steady, and agile.

Example: During the quiz round, everyone tried their best to think on their feet.

Foot Idioms 2

Put one’s foot in one’s mouth

Meaning: This phrase is used when someone does or says something stupid and embarrassing.

Example: Well, we can’t really do anything about it this time. Seriously, when will you get out of the habit of putting your foot in your mouth?

Put one’s best foot forward

Meaning: This phrase is utilized when someone is on their best behavior because they want to gain someone’s approval.

Example: I put my best foot forward for the whole week and convinced my parents of the road trip.

Be caught on the wrong foot

Meaning: This idiom describes the situation when someone is astonished or amazed by something that happens quickly and unpredictably.

Example: She was caught on the wrong foot when he showed up at the airport and proposed to her.

Have a foot in both camps

Meaning: The above phrase refers to someone who prefers to support two opposing sides or belongs to two different groups.

Example: Since both of Olivia’s best friends led two different campaigns, she had her foot in both camps.

Get a foot in the door

Meaning: This idiom means to make the first or initial step towards one’s goal.

Example: Tessa got a foot in the door by finally pursuing the career she wanted.

Foot the bill

Meaning: When one pays for a specific thing which is usually very costly.

Example: Mark decided to take his parents to dinner, and he foots the bill with his first salary.

Start on the right foot

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of making a good impression of oneself before starting a relationship or any activity.

Example: He was very tense before meeting his girlfriend’s parents since he needed to start on the right foot.

Have a lead foot

Meaning: This phrase is utilized to refer to someone who drives dangerously fast in a car.

Example: Elena refused to go with Damon in a car since he has a lead foot and gets into accidents quite frequently

The shoe on the other foot

Meaning: This phrase is used when a particular situation changes to the opposite of what it was.

Example: Every year on Christmas, Angela receives more gifts, but this year the shoe was on the other foot, and her sister received more donations.

My foot!

Meaning: Used to show disapproval regarding something.

Example: “Important work, my foot, he just wants to avoid us,” Henry said when he heard Chris wouldn’t be joining them for the movie.

Not put a foot wrong

Meaning: To not make any mistakes or do anything wrong.

Example: While painting on the vast canvas, Yatora tried his best to not put a foot wrong.

Have one foot in the grave

Meaning: This phrase is utilized when someone is near their death due to illness or simply old age.

Example: When Peter suffered from pneumonia, he thought his one foot was in the grave.

On foot

Meaning: This phrase is used when one prefers walking upon traveling by car or other transportation.

Example: The group of friends decided to explore the surroundings of their new travel destination on foot.

Have the world at one’s feet

Meaning: Used to refer to an highly successful individual and is admired by a considerable number of people.

Example: Even though the band started slow, they had the world at their feet due to their hard work.

Walk someone off their feet

Meaning: Make someone exhausted and tired by making them walk a lot.

Example: While shopping, Cristina and her mom walked off their feet.

Vote with one’s feet

Meaning: This phrase is used to show that one is against supporting a particular organization or product, or a decision by walking off from the organization, or not buying the product, or leaving the place of the decision.

Example: The class showed voted off their feet and left the classroom as we chose the new head boy.

Under someone’s feet

Meaning: Used when someone is annoyed and irritated or is unable to do something they wanted because of the presence of a specific individual near them.

Example: Because Ginny was under my feet the whole week, I couldn’t go shopping.

Two left feet

Meaning: This expression refers to someone who dances in a very awkward and clumsy way.

Example: During the wedding dance rehearsal, John understood his wife had two left feet.

Throw oneself at someone’s feet

Meaning: To ask for forgiveness and mercy or help and protection from someone.

Example: Nick hurriedly came and threw himself at Amy’s feet, promising her never to repeat his mistakes.

The patter of tiny feet

Meaning: This phrase is utilized when someone is going to have a baby.

Example: The family impatiently waits to hear the patter of tiny feet.

Shake the dust from one’s feet

Meaning: Leave from an unpleasant situation or place hurriedly, never to return again.

Example: Veronica was growing impatient at the family gathering and wanted to shake the dust from her feet as fast as possible.

Sit at one’s feet

Meaning: This expression is utilized when someone is learning something from an individual or following an individual’s instructions.

Example: Bill sat at Henry’s feet after he saw Henry playing golf fantastically.

Regain feet

Meaning: To steadily stand up on one’s feet after falling or tumbling.

Example: She was going to fall off the stairs, but at the last moment, she regained her feet.

Foot Idioms 1

Put one’s feet up

Meaning: This idiom is used when one finally relaxes by giving their footrest after working consistently.

Example: Victoria deserves to put her feet up because she completed a whole load of work during the week.

Don’t let the grass grow under one’s feet

Meaning: To not sit idly and waste time and instead work.

Example: The teacher asked her students, “don’t let the grass grow under your feet; start doing your homework and revise your chapters.”

Keep both feet on the ground

Meaning: This phrase is used when one maintains their poised and calm demeanor and views everything efficiently and sensibly.

Example: George always keeps both feet on the ground. I have never seen him lose his calm.

Drag one’s feet

Meaning: When one does something very slowly and reluctantly, making it evident that they are not interested in doing it.

Example: Clint had to drag Vanessa’s feet in order to take her out of her house.

A closed mouth gathers no feet

Meaning: This idiom means that if someone remains quiet, then they will not have to worry about saying something embarrassing or wrong.

Example: Georgia knew she would end up saying something wrong, and hence she decided to remain quiet since a closed mouth gathers no feet.

Tread on one’s toe

Meaning: This idiom is used when someone offends an individual by interfering in their matters or trying to take up their responsibilities in a specific area.

Example: Julia offended her colleague by treading on her colleague’s toe regarding the presentation.

Pull the rug from under one’s feet

Meaning: The sudden removal of support or the assistance provided by someone.

Example: By leaving so suddenly, Jim pulled the rug from under Pam’s feet.

Feet of clay

Meaning: This expression is utilized to refer to a person who possesses a flaw that they keep hidden.

Example: It is very accurate when one says that every human being has a foot of clay.

Put one’s foot down

Meaning: When one firmly denies doing something or refuses to accept something.

Example: He was really pissed at Gina, and he decided to put his foot down from the wedding.

Shoot oneself in the foot

Meaning: This phrase is used when one ends up foolishly saying or doing something that will harm themselves.

Example: Clara realized she shot herself in the foot by not taking up the job offer.

Animal fossils stored in a box since their excavation 15 years ago at an underground cave in South Africa have yielded an unexpected discovery—four foot bones that fit together to form the left instep of a hominid that lived about 3.5 million years ago.

This is equally important in the glissades side-to-side, when the second foot of one glissade becomes the first foot of the next glissade.

The QB who does not drop his shoulder will find his momentum taking him backwards and he will tend to throw off his back foot, making the ball hang and sail over the receiver’s head.

In sur le cou-de-pied back we naturally don’t have an ankle to wrap the foot around and yet, because the action is the same, the foot should have the same shape.

The foot should land in the three o’clock position and the athlete should stay up on the ball of the foot throughout the next run in order to maintain hip motion and lift at delivery.

«Never, never,» says Louis Galli, D.P.M., «permit a child to wear a pointe shoe, or even one that resembles a pointe shoe, until the bones of the foot are sufficiently ossified (hardened) and the supporting muscles of the leg, thigh, hip, and trunk are strong.

moves over the left foot, he should turn (pivot) the foot counter-clockwise, then advance the right leg out and around the left leg.

Then, apply the pads to your foot just outside of the pen lines (see photo at right).

If it isn’t breaking high enough or if the shank pulls away from the foot, she may suggest resewing the ribbons, moving them back or forward.

In Fifth Position, the feet should move equally to form one line with only the heel of each foot exposed.

Average asking rent in the CBD dropped $3.18 per square foot, or 10%, Over the past year to $28.17 per square foot and $1.30 per square foot, or 5%, in the Non-CBD to $26.91 per square foot.

The top five leases during the quarter were Kasowitz Benson Torres & Freid (140,000 square foot renewal at 1633 Broadway), Soros Funds (104,152 square foot renewal at 888 Seventh Avenue), UFJ Bank (90,528 square foot renewal and lease reconstruction at 55 East 52nd Street), Clarendon Insurance Group (76,300 square feet at Ten Times Square), Michael Kors (59,898 square feet at 11 West 42nd Street), Kasowitz Benson Torres & Freid (140,000 square feet expansion and renewal at 1633 Broadway) and Schulte Roth & Zabel (30,801 square feet at 919 Third Avenue).

The average asking price has remained relatively the same at $29.87 per square foot compared to $29.61 per square foot last quarter and $31.19 per square foot twelve months earlier.

During the third quarter of 2003 overall asking rents on Long Island dropped by $.65 to end the period at $23.94 per square foot.

Because much of the space leased by the hedge funds and financial service firms so active this year was among the most expensive in the county, average asking rent countywide plummeted $2.35 per square foot from a year ago to $25.99 per square foot.

Today we’ll be talking about words and idioms with the noun FOOT. We already covered idioms with HEAD, EYE, MOUTH, TOOTH, NECK, HEART and HAND, so feel free to check them out if you haven’t already.

This article comes from issue 2 (1/2023) of Your American English Magazine. You’ll find much more interesting stuff there, I’m sure.

My friend’s son, Phil, was young and successful. He felt the world was at his feet. After graduating from college, he took a job an assistant to the editor in chief of a fashion magazine to get his foot in the door. Phil got his feet wet at his new job by doing simple editorial tasks. He quickly found his feet in the big company. Even then he always kept his feet on the ground.  

Phil was a good worker, a loyal foot soldier in the war against foot-dragging on important issues. He never let the grass grow under his feet. He never put a foot wrong. When he talked to his boss, Peter, he always put his best foot forward. Everybody liked him. But then, one day, suddenly the shoe was on the other foot.  

at sb’s feet – close to someone’s feet or, figuratively, offering great opportunities to sb

get your foot in the door – to make the first step toward a goal by gaining entry into an organization, a career, etc.

get your feet wet – to begin doing a new job, activity, etc., in usually a slow and simple way in order to become more familiar with it

find your feet – to start to be comfortable in a new situation, to begin to be confident or successful

have/keep your feet on the ground – to be a sensible and practical person

foot soldier – a soldier who marches and fights on foot (infantryman) or, figuratively, a person who does active and difficult work for an organization or cause

foot-dragging – failure to do sth quickly because you do not want to do it

let the grass grow under your feet – to wait before doing sth or to do sth slowly — used in negative statements

put a foot wrong – to make a mistake

put your best foot forward – to behave very well so that sb will like you and approve of you

the shoe is on the other foot – used to say that a situation has changed to the opposite of what it was before  

She felt the world was at her feet.
She felt the world was at her feet.
“Wanna see you in my office, Phil,” his boss said one day. “This is Ken, my successor,” he said. “You know, Phil, I’m old, I’ve got one foot in the grave and that’s why I decided to resign. I hope you’ll get off on the right foot with Ken. He’s our man, if you know what I mean.” But Phil didn’t know. This situation caught Phil and his coworkers flat-footed.   have one foot in the grave – to be close to dying because of old age or illness

get/start off on the right foot – to begin a relationship well

catch sb flat-footed – to surprise sb who is not ready or prepared for sth  

He’s got one foot in the grave.
He’s got one foot in the grave.
A few days later Peter, Phil’s boss, was arrested. “Unbelievable, my foot! It’s just unbelievable!” Phil thought to himself. “I must go visit him,” he decided.  

“- I’ve always considered you my friend,” Peter said as soon as Phil set foot in his jail cell. “I’m not going to lie to you anymore. I’m being accused of accepting bribes.”   “- Did you take any?”, Phil asked. “- I did, and Ken knew about it. But he landed on his feet and now he must take care of our business. I hope you’ll help him.” Phil was shocked to hear that. The man he had admired so much turned out to have feet of clay. By taking the bribes he shot himself in the foot. The police finally put their feet down.  

my foot – (old-fashioned) used to express surprise or disagreement

set foot – to enter

land on your feet – to be lucky and be in good condition or in a good situation after having a bad or difficult experience

have feet of clay –  to be a person who was admired in the past but who has serious faults or flaws

shoot yourself in the foot – to do or say sth that causes trouble for yourself

put your foot down – to deal with sb in a harsh or strict way  

The text message caught her flat-footed.
The text message caught her flat-footed.
Phil decided to go back to the office on foot in order to have some time to think. It wasn’t easy, though, as there was a lot of foot traffic that day and he couldn’t concentrate. Some people were hurrying so that they almost knocked him off his feet. It was an exhausting day. Phil was dead on his feet. He was thinking only of one thing now: going back home after work and putting his feet up. But first he had to go back to the office. “What am I supposed to tell Ken?” he thought. “Does he know I know? I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot and work with someone I don’t respect,” he thought.  

As soon as he arrived back at the office, he went straight to his room. After hours of dragging his feet, he decided to talk to Ken. He knew what to say, went to his office, but when Ken welcomed him with a friendly smile, he got cold feet and couldn’t say anything.  

“The business is on its feet now,” Phil thought. “I already put my foot in it when I asked Ken why Peter was arrested. I saw how embarrassed he was.” Phil loved his job, but now, for the first time, he started to get itchy feet.  

on foot – by walking

foot traffic – people walking in an area (like a street or park)

off your feet – not in a standing position, in or into a sitting or lying position

dead on your feet – very tired but still standing, working, etc.

put your feet up – to sit and relax, to not work or be active

get/start off on the wrong foot – to begin a relationship badly

drag your feet/heels – to avoid doing sth for a long time because you do not want to do it

cold feet – a feeling of worry or doubt that is strong enough to stop you from doing sth that you planned to do

on your feet – in a standing position or in a good position or condition

put your foot in your mouth / put your foot in it – to say sth that causes sb to be embarrassed, upset, or hurt especially when you did not expect that reaction

itchy feet – a strong desire to leave a place, job, etc., and go somewhere else  

a lot of foot traffic
a lot of foot traffic
Phil had always had a passion for dancing. “But will I be able to stand on my own two feet if I leave my job here and enter the world of show business?” he wondered. “Am I good at dancing? Maybe I’ve got two left feet?” In fact, Phil had always been a light-footed dancer, but, as a former fleet-footed runner, he also had athlete’s foot, so he had some doubts about taking up dancing as a career. “Is it enough to be light on your feet?” he wondered. “Will anybody want to watch me perform? Will I be able to bring the crowd to its feet? Or, maybe they’ll vote with their feet and stop coming to see me?”

Anyway, how did this story end? Well, Ken’s daughter started work at the publishing house and she just swept Phil off his feet. A year later they got married and are still working there.  

stand on your own two feet – to support yourself without help from other people

two left feet – used to describe a person who dances badly

light-footed – able to move in a quick and graceful way

fleet-footed – able to run fast

athlete’s foot – a condition in which the skin between and around the toes cracks and peels

light on your feet – capable of moving in a quick and graceful way

to your feet – to a standing position

vote with your feet – to show your dislike of a particular place or situation by leaving and going somewhere else

sweep sb off their feet – to make sb suddenly become very attracted to you in a romantic way  

a light-footed dancer
a light-footed dancer

Hello, dear English learners! I’ve prepared 10  English idioms with foot/feet for today’s lesson. So, get ready to add new vocabulary to your English. 😀

The idioms whose meaning we’re going to discover today are:

  1. Find your feet
  2. Land on your feet
  3. Get off on the wrong/right foot (with somebody)
  4. Put your feet up
  5. Sweep someone off their feet
  6. Be rushed off your feet
  7. Get your foot in the door
  8. Get cold feet
  9. Put your foot down
  10. Stand on your own two feet

Find your feet

Meaning: refers to a new situation in which you are supposed to be confident and familiar with.

Examples:

When you first move to a new country, it takes you a  while to find your feet.

My new job is great. As soon as I find my feet I’ll write to you more about it.

Land on your feet

Meaning: If you land on your feet, you are lucky to end up fine in a difficult situation.

Examples:

I was jobless for months and then I landed on my feet getting this job with so little experience. 

I wouldn’t worry about Sam if I were you. She always lands on her feet.

woman sitting on the chair using laptop

10 English Idioms with “Foot”

Get off on the right/wrong foot (with somebody)

Meaning: to make a good/bad start with someone.

My new job is great but it seems that I’ve got off on the wrong foot with the manager.

However, if you start your relationship well with somebody, you can say that you got off on the right foot with them.

Things are looking up. I seem to have got off on the right foot with my new boss.

Put your feet up

Meaning: to relax and rest when you are tired, with your feet supported off the ground.

Examples:

Lorna was so tired that all she wanted was to go home and put her feet up.

After a long online meeting, Martin turned on the TV and put his feet up. 

Sweep someone off their feet

Meaning: if you rush someone off their feet, you make them like you strongly, usually in a romantic way.

Examples:

Laura’s new neighbour was so charming that he swept her off her feet immediately.

Sean was swept off his feet by a much younger woman.

 10 English Idioms with "Foot"

10 English Idioms with “Foot”

Be rushed off your feet

Meaning: be extremely busy with your work.

Examples:

There were 300 people at the wedding party. The waiters were rushed off their feet.

Having three children and a full-time job is really hard. I’m practically rushed off my feet every day.

Get your foot in the door

Meaning: be successful at the first stage of doing something. It usually refers to work.

Examples:

Volunteering is a good way to get your foot in the door at that company.

It might not be the best job in the world, but you can use it to get your foot in the door.

Get cold feet

Meaning: to get nervous and anxious about doing something; start hesitating. 

Examples:

Everything was alright in their relationship until they appointed the wedding day. All of a sudden, Michael got cold feet and they broke up.

Ryan got cold feet when he heard that they would transfer him to another town, away from his friends and family.

 10 English Idioms with "Foot"

10 English Idioms with “Foot”

Put your foot down

Meaning: if you put your foot down, you tell someone firmly that they must or mustn’t do something.

Examples:

As a teacher, you just have to put your foot down sometimes, or the children will eat you alive.

When I realised that he’s been using my computer when I wasn’t in the office, I had to put my foot down.

Stand on your own two feet

Meaning: if you stand on your own two feet, then you are independent.

Examples:

Ever since I was sixteen, I’ve been standing on my own two feet, without anybody’s help.

Our daughter is about to graduate soon. Hopefully, she’ll get a good job and be able to stand on her own two feet.

10 English idioms with "foot"

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  • I’ve got itchy feet (У меня тяга к путешествиям)
  • I got cold feet (Я сдрейфил)
  • I shot myself in the foot (Я сказал глупость, я сделал это себе во вред)

Hello. I’m a very interesting and intelligent man.
And today these feet and I will be teaching you some English idioms.
I bet you’ve never been taught by some feet before.

Привет. Я очень интересный и умный человек.
И сегодня вместе с этими ступнями ног я научу вас некоторым английским идиомам.
Готов спорить, что никогда раньше вы не учились у ступней ног.

Ah, the world. One day I’d like to visit the world.
You see, I haven’t left this room since… um… actually… I’ve never left this room.
Oh But I’d love to travel!!
Arrrrgghhh!
That’s right. I’ve got itchy feet.
In English, if you have a strong feeling that you’d like to travel, we say «I’ve got itchy feet«.
I’ve got itchy feet.
Well maybe I should wash them more often.

Ах, этот мир. Хочу когда-нибудь побывать в нём.
Понимаете ли, я не выходил из этой комнаты уже… гм… получается… не выходил из этой комнаты никогда.
Ох, но с каким бы удовольствием я путешествовал!!
Агххх!
Правильно. У меня «чешутся ступни» (I’ve got itchy feet).
В английском языке, если у вас сильная тяга к путешествиям, могут сказать, что у вас «чешутся ступни» (you’ve got itchy feet).
I’ve got itchy feet.У меня сильная тяга к путешествиям.
А по-английски — «чешутся ступни». Может, стоит их чаще мыть?

I did try to leave this room once. I planned to visit my dream country… Belgium.
But I suddenly became too frightened to do it.
That’s right, I got cold feet.
In English, if we make a plan, but then decide not to do it because we are too nervous we say «I got cold feet«.
I got cold feet.
Well, perhaps I should buy some socks!

Однажды я пытался выйти из этой комнаты. Хотел побывать в стране своей мечты — Бельгии.
Но неожиданно испугался.
Правильно, у меня «похолодели ноги» (I got cold feet).
В английском языке, если мы отказываемся от своего плана из-за страха или волнения, можем сказать: «У меня похолодели ноги (я сдрейфил) (I got cold feet)».
I got cold feet.Я сдрейфил.
Может, надо купить ещё одни носки!

Erm, ok friends — a word of advice. NEVER play with guns.
Otherwise… you could shoot yourself in the foot!
In English, if you do something that ruins a situation for you, we say «I shot myself in the foot.«
I shot myself in the foot.
Like that time I ran a Marathon, only instead of drinking water, I drank beer!
Oh, I was completely useless. Ha! I could hardly run in a straight line!
Hang on, wait for me! Wait! Come back! Come back! Come back!

Ну, а теперь, друзья, один совет. НИКОГДА не играйте с пистолетом.
Иначе… можете выстрелить себе в ногу!
В английском языке, если мы делаем что-то себе во вред, то говорим: «Выстрелил себе в ногу (I shot myself in the foot)».
I shot myself in the foot.Я сделал (сказал) это себе во вред.
Как я, когда бежал марафон и вместо воды пил пиво!
Ох, я был совсем никакой. Ха! Еле мог бежать по прямой линии!
Подождите меня! Подождите! Вернитесь! Вернитесь! Вернитесь!

См. также:

  • find one’s feet (встать на ноги, освоиться, обрести самостоятельность, набить руку)
  • put one’s feet up (отдохнуть и расслабиться; бездельничать)
  • put one’s foot down (занять твердую, решительную позицию, принять твердое решение; проявить твердость, настоять на своем)
  • take the weight off one’s feet (дать ногам отдохнуть, присесть; прилечь)

Hello, I’m Jane at DailyStep English and welcome to my Audio Blog.

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In this blog I’m going to tell you a little story about Harry’s embarrassing first day at work, and in the story you will also learn some idioms. Then, in the Audio Word Study, I will explain more about how to use these idioms. 

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So, let’s find out what happened to Harry on his first day at work.

To download this premium audio, please subscribe to DailyStep English Audio Lessons. This will give you 5 Audio Lessons per week, plus full access to hear and download all DailyStep blogs. 

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Harry’s embarrassing first day 
(by Jane Lawson at DailyStep.com)

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Harry was so happy last Monday morning. But by the evening, he was miserable. Let me explain why. After 5 years of studying law, and several months of applying for jobs, Harry had finally managed to get a foot in the door with a small law firm in London. He had always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a successful lawyer. He was proud that this was finally happening and that at last he would be able to stand on his own two feetfinancially.

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On the first day of his new job, he arrived very early and sat down at the desk by the window waiting for his colleagues to arrive. He decided to make a quick phone call. Just as he was picking up the phone, a tall man in an expensive suit came through the door.

“Who on earth are you and what are you doing at my desk?” he asked, sounding rather annoyed.

“I’m Harry Charman, it’s my first day here… I’m so sorry, I didn’t know this was your desk” said Harry, feeling embarrassed that he had got off on the wrong foot with one of his new colleagues. In fact, the tall, dark-suited man was Harry’s new boss, and he wasn’t a very nice man.

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At the end of the day, around 5 pm, a smartly-dressed woman arrived. It was Harry’s boss’s wife. His boss was on the phone at the time, so Harry, seeing that the woman was heavily pregnant, said,

“Let me get you a chair. You shouldn’t be standing for long in your condition. And can I offer you a cup of tea?”

“What condition?” said the woman, icily. Harry realised with a shock that she was not pregnant at all.

“I…er… no, you look great, not pregnant at all, and er… not fat either… no, no not at all fat” he stammered, as his boss put down the phone and glared at him furiously. Harry had really put his foot in it this time. He just wanted the ground to swallow him up.

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So, poor Harry’s first day didn’t go well! But did you notice all the ‘foot’ idioms? In the Audio Word Study below, you can find out their meanings.

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Here is Audio Word Study #062 on DailyStep.com. 

Did you notice all the ‘foot’ idioms that I used in my little story about Harry’s first day at work? Read or listen to these explanations, and then try to write your own examples.

.Here a

1. To get a foot in the door

Meaning: to take the first step in doing something or to complete the first step in a process

Example: It was hard for him to get a foot in the door in the TV company but eventually he managed to get a job as the tea boy.

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2. To follow in someone’s footsteps

Meaning: to do what someone else has done (often to do the same job as one’s father or mother)

Example: He decided to follow in his mother’s footsteps and become a doctor.

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3. To stand on your own two feet

Meaning: to be independent and self-sufficient

Example: It’s time he started standing on his own two feet! He is over thirty and his parents are still supporting him.

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4. To get off on the wrong foot

Meaning: to make a bad start to a relationship

Example: He got off on the wrong foot with his mother-in-law, because had been talking about how much he disliked pasta dishes, only to find that this was what she was serving for dinner. (note: we can also say ‘he started off on the wrong foot.’)

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5. To put your foot in it

Meaning: to say something that is the wrong thing to say in a situation

Example: I really put my foot in it with Sarah. I said ‘I’m so sorry to hear you are losing your job’, and it turned out she didn’t even know about it yet! She was so upset! (note: we can also say ‘I really put my foot in my mouth’, and in fact this is the full idiom, but we rarely say it like this.)

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Now, how many of these idioms can you remember? Try to write your own sentences using all 5 idioms. Make sure these sentences are true to your own life because this will help you to remember them better. That is all for Audio Word Study #062 on DailyStep.com. 

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Five idioms using the word ‘foot’ in English. I cover the following expressions in this English lesson: cold feet, to get your feet in the door, to put your foot in your mouth, the shoe’s on the other foot, to put your foot down.

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by
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Published 20th December 2022
· Updated 2nd March 2023

Here are seven useful idioms with the word ‘foot’. There are more idioms with ‘foot’ in English but, for me, these are the most common ones, so let’s crack on!

Here you’ll find the short video version.

Get off on the wrong foot

This means to make a bad start to a situation.

If you get off on the wrong foot with someone, you make a bad first impression when you meet them for the first time.

It’s my first day at work tomorrow and I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot.

We got off on the wrong foot on our first date.

Get a foot in the door

This is an informal way of saying obtain an opportunity to start working in a company, especially when this could lead to more opportunities in the future:

Doing temporary work for an agency can help you get a foot in the door.

Shoot yourself in the foot

When you do or say something stupid, usually without intending to, and it spoils a situation for yourself, you shoot yourself in the foot:

The politician shot herself in the foot by saying too much to the press.

Not put a foot wrong

This idiom simply means to not make a mistake or do anything wrong:

The young footballer has not put a foot wrong all season.

The politician didn’t put a foot wrong when faced by the press.

Have one foot in the grave

If someone has one foot in the grave it means they are about to die, or perhaps they are in terrible condition:

I think Uncle Bill has one foot in the grave, so it’d would be good to visit him.

I feel like I’ve got one foot in the grave with this virus.

Put your foot down

This is when you act firmly and demand that someone does or doesn’t do something, usually from a position of authority:

Jim needs to put his foot down and make sure his kids behave better.

 As a manager, sometimes you have to put your foot down to get your staff’s respect.

Foot the bill

Here is another informal way of saying to pay for something, especially if it is expensive. As we say pay for, we also use the preposition for after foot the bill.

The insurance company will foot the bill for the damage done.

 Let’s go for lunch. My company will foot the bill.

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