leg
/leɪɡ/
The word 'leg' is a common, everyday noun referring to the limb used for walking or standing. It is generally used in a literal sense but can also be used figuratively. It is a countable noun, so we use 'leg' for one and 'legs' for more than one. Figurative uses often relate to parts of a journey ('the final leg of the trip') or supports ('the leg of a table'). Be careful with idioms; not all phrases involving 'leg' are literal. Some are idiomatic and have different meanings.
💬Casual Conversation
This new art history textbook costs an arm and a leg.
Sounds like a skill issue, sis.
Collocations & Compounds
human leg
The limb of the human body used for walking and standing.
The human leg is composed of the thigh, the lower leg, and the foot.
animal leg
A limb of an animal used for locomotion.
The dog has four animal legs.
table leg
One of the supports at the bottom of a table.
One of the table legs was broken.
chair leg
One of the supports at the bottom of a chair.
Be careful not to trip over the chair leg.
broken leg
A fracture in one of the bones of the leg.
He had to wear a cast for his broken leg.
Phrasal Verbs
leg it
To run away, especially from a place or situation.
We saw the police coming, so we decided to leg it.
leg out
To extend or stretch out a leg.
After sitting for so long, she needed to leg out her stiff muscles.
Idioms & Sayings
break a leg
A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
You'll do great in the play tonight, break a leg!
on its last leg
Near the end of its life or usefulness; failing.
This old car is on its last leg; it's constantly breaking down.
pull someone's leg
To tease or trick someone in a playful way.
Are you serious about the job offer, or are you just pulling my leg?
have legs
To have the potential to become popular or successful over time.
This new song really has legs; it's been climbing the charts for weeks.
all legs and wings
Describing someone, typically a young person, who is very tall and thin and appears awkward.
At thirteen, she was all legs and wings, still growing into her body.
Cultural Context
The Anatomy of a Tall Tale: How the 'Leg' of a Story Grows
The word 'leg' in the context of a story, as in 'the story has a good leg,' is a fascinating piece of journalistic or narrative slang. It doesn't refer to a physical limb, but rather to the inherent momentum, interest, or narrative drive a story possesses. A story with 'a good leg' is one that is compelling, easy to tell, and likely to hold the audience's attention. It implies a certain robustness, a structure that supports the unfolding of events without faltering.
This idiom likely emerged from the idea of a physical leg providing the support and propulsion needed for movement. Just as a strong leg allows a person to walk or run with ease, a 'good leg' in a story allows the narrative to flow smoothly from one point to the next. It's the quality that makes a story 'write itself,' or allows a speaker to recount it without getting bogged down in unnecessary details or losing the thread.
Think of the opposite: a story with a 'bad leg' might be one that is convoluted, difficult to follow, or lacks a clear point. It might require excessive explanation or struggle to maintain audience engagement. Such a story might need extra effort to 'prop it up,' much like a weak limb might need a brace.
This concept is particularly relevant in fields like journalism, where editors might assess the potential of a news story. A story with 'a good leg' is one that has strong sources, clear angles, and a compelling human element, making it easier to develop into a complete and impactful piece. It’s a testament to the power of narrative structure and the inherent qualities that make some stories more engaging than others, all metaphorically supported by the strength of their storytelling 'leg'.
Etymology
The word 'leg' comes from the Old Norse word 'leggr', which referred to the limb of the body. It entered Middle English in the 13th century, likely replacing the Old English term 'scanca'. Its Proto-Germanic root is 'leg-', meaning 'to lie, lay'. Over time, 'leg' also came to mean a section of a journey or a support for furniture.