foot and feet idioms list
Let’s look at some popular body idioms that contain the word ‘foot’ or ‘feet’.
- back on one’s feet
meaning – healthy again after being unwell or have money after being in financial difficulties
example – Libby has a job; she’ll be back on her feet in a few months. - don’t let the grass grow under one’s feet
meaning – hurry, act now, don’t wait
example – Brian is a useless employee. We’ve lost so much business by him letting the grass grow. - drag one’s feet/heels
meaning – be reluctant to do something, be deliberately slow
example – My son won’t tidy his room, he’s dragging his feet. I guess he doesn’t want pocket money. - find one’s feet
meaning – gain experience/confidence
example – I’ve been in the country for a month, and I feel like I’ve found my feet - follow in one’s father’s footsteps
meaning – do the same job as your father
example – Nigel doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps, he wants to be a pilot. - foot in mouth disease
meaning – say inappropriate/insensitive things at the wrong time
example – Please don’t let Andy speak to the clients, he’s got foot in mouth disease. - foot the bill
meaning – pay for something
example – My generous parents have footed the bill. I am debt free. - get cold feet
meaning – get nervous and change one’s mind about doing something
example – I didn’t compete in the singing competition, I saw the audience and got cold feet. - get off on the wrong foot
meaning – begin a friendship badly
example – I always get off on the wrong foot with people. I think I come across a little arrogant. - have itchy feet
meaning – have a strong desire to move/travel
example – I’ve got itchy feet! I’ve outgrown my town and I need a new challenge. - have one’s foot in the door
meaning – start working for a company in a low position in the hope of getting promoted
example – I’d love to get my foot in the door at Google. - have two left feet
meaning – you can’t dance
example – Jasper asked me to the prom. I turned him down as he has two left feet.
- jump in feet first
meaning – do something quickly without hesitating or panicking
example – Starting a new school is scary, jump in feet first and you’ll be fine. - jump in with both feet
meaning – start doing something enthusiastically
example – Louis is a great addition to the team, he jumped in with both feet. - keep one’s feet on the ground
meaning – remain calm and sensible after becoming successful
example – My multimillionaire dad still sees his school friends and drinks cheap wine. He keeps his feet on the ground. - land on one’s feet
meaning – be lucky/successful especially in difficult times
example – After being rejected numerous times, Ollie has landed on his feet and works for Microsoft. - one foot in the grave
meaning – an old/sick person who will die soon
example – I caught pneumonia, I felt like I had one foot in the grave. - put one’s best foot forward
meaning – attempt to make a good impression/try your best
example – The boss is coming to the office today, I’ll put my best foot forward. - put one’s feet up
meaning – stop working, sit and relax
example – You put your feet up and relax, I’ll make the dinner. - put one’s foot down
meaning – use authority to stop something from happening or accelerate in a vehicle
example – We are going to be late for the funeral! Put your foot down. - put one’s foot in it
meaning – say or do something tactless
example – I’m afraid I’m going to put my foot in it and let slip about her surprise party. - shoe is on the other foot
meaning – the situation a has reversed
example – My brother used to beat me up. Now I’m 6 ft 3”, the shoe is on the other foot. - six feet under
meaning – dead and buried
example – Alice is six feet under, she passed away recently. - stand on one’s own two feet
meaning – be independent and not rely on others
example – It’s time my kids moved out and stood on their own two feet. They’re in their thirties. - wait on someone hand and foot
meaning – do everything someone wants
example – I stayed in a luxury hotel. They waited on me hand and foot.
foot and feet idioms list with pictures
Here’s some real life picture examples.
You can download a table of ‘foot and feet’ idioms and expressions below.
If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more body idioms by clicking on the links below.
