leg
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
One of the long, weight-bearing limbs used for standing and walking in humans and many animals.
A structural support resembling a limb (e.g., a table leg); a stage of a journey or competition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun; can be used as a verb in specific contexts (e.g., to leg it). The core sense is concrete and physical, but many idiomatic extensions exist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'To leg it' (run away) is more common in British English. In cricket, 'leg before wicket' (LBW) is a specific British/Commonwealth term.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Informal uses ('pull someone's leg') are equally common.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency and core vocabulary in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + leg: break/bend/stretch/hurt one's leg[Adjective] + leg: broken/sore/strong legleg + [of + Noun]: leg of the journey/table/lambVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Break a leg!”
- “Pull someone's leg”
- “On one's last legs”
- “Shake a leg!”
- “Not have a leg to stand on”
- “Cost an arm and a leg”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The final leg of the merger negotiations begins next week."
Academic
"The study compared muscle activation in the dominant leg."
Everyday
"I think I pulled a muscle in my leg at the gym."
Technical
"The tripod's telescopic legs provide stability on uneven terrain."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We had to leg it to the station when the bus didn't arrive.
American English
- (Rare as a verb in US English; 'to run' is standard.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- He suffered a leg injury during the match.
American English
- She wore leg warmers during her workout.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby is learning to stand on her legs.
- The table has four legs.
- My leg hurts.
- We're about to start the last leg of our road trip across the country.
- He broke his leg skiing and had to wear a cast for six weeks.
- The new evidence gave their legal argument a much stronger leg to stand on.
- After the marathon, I made sure to stretch my legs properly to avoid cramping.
- The company's retail division has been propping up the faltering business, but it's now on its last legs.
- The treaty's ratification is a crucial leg in the long journey towards diplomatic normalization.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'leg' as the part you LEG (or propel) yourself forward with.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A LEG (e.g., 'leg of the table', 'the campaign needs a leg to stand on'). JOURNEY/COMPETITION IS A BODY WITH LEGS (e.g., 'first leg of the tournament').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'leg' for the foot (нога vs. ступня/стопа). The Russian 'нога' covers both leg and foot. 'Leg of lamb' is a specific cut of meat (окорок), not just 'lamb leg'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I hurt my foot' (when meaning the entire leg). Incorrect article use in idioms: *'break the leg' instead of 'break a leg' (idiom for good luck).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'pull someone's leg' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's informal and primarily British in the phrase 'to leg it,' meaning to run away quickly.
'Leg' refers to the entire limb from hip to ankle. 'Foot' refers specifically to the part below the ankle.
It's a theatrical superstition; directly wishing 'good luck' is considered bad luck, so an opposite phrase is used.
Yes, it's commonly used metaphorically for any long, supporting part (table leg, tripod leg) or a stage of something (leg of a journey, race).
Collections
Part of a collection
Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.