In use since the 1800s
Meaning Of Idiom ‘Back On Your Feet’
This idiom back on your (or one’s) feet is related to a number of other idioms pertaining to being ‘on one’s feet.’ To be back on your feet is to have made a full recovery from an illness, or to have become fully adjusted to a new situation, such as a move, a new job, a divorce, or any other type of disruptive change.
Sentence Examples
“Now that I’m back on my feet after that terrible flu, I can finally get some work done.”
“The divorce really rocked him, but he’s finally back on his feet.”
“I know it’s tough adjusting to a new city. Once you get back on your feet we should get together.”
“You don’t need a sponsor anymore. You’re back on your own feet now. You stay that way.” — I’ll Cry Tomorrow (1955)
“Good to see you back on your feet, soldier.” — The Incredible Hulk (2008)
“How’s Jack holding up?” “They said a week till he’s back on his feet.”— RoboCop (2014)
“Jasmine? What is she doing in town?” “She’s living with me till she gets back on her feet.” — Blue Jasmine (2013)
“A second ago you mentioned the Nearly There Foundation. What is that?” “That’s a program that we set up to help ex-cons get back on their feet.” — Starsky & Hutch (2004)
“What exactly does he do?” “Well, you could say he’s a philanthropist. He helps Chinese immigrants get back on their feet.” — Shanghai Noon (2000)
“What is going on with you and my son?” “He wanted to help somebody. Wanted to get somebody back on their feet, so he gave me a little money.” — Pay It Forward (2000)
“I’m gonna call for a doctor.” “What for? So they can patch me up? So they can nurse me along till I get back on my feet?” — Double Indemnity (1944)
“I’m doing everything I can to get back on my feet again.” — Mirrors (2008)
“Dupree? Live with us?” “Not live; just stay for a couple of days until he gets back on his feet.” — You, Me and Dupree (2006)
“As soon as we can get back on our feet, we’ll talk about coming back to New York.” — Wanderlust (2012)
“It’s okay to stay here as long as you need to, till you get back on your feet.” — Jersey Girl (2004)
“You can eat here until you get back on your feet.” — The Man Who Shot Liberty Vance (1962)
“You and I are gonna run together, son, soon as you get back on your feet.” — W. (2008)
“Level with me — how bad is it?” “It’s not bad, you’ll be fine. You’ll be back on your feet in no time.” — Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)
Origin
The idiom alludes to getting back to normal and becoming strong again after having been figuratively knocked off your feet. In the case of illness, this may be taken a bit more literally. To be off one’s feet is to be placed in a compromised position or to have been ‘thrown off balance.’
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More Idioms Starting with B
More Back Idioms
- Know Something Like the Back Of One’s Hand
- Run Back
- Behind Someone’s Back (to do something)
- Back Street and Back Alley
- Back in the Day
More Body Part Idioms
- Go Belly Up
- Stand On Someone’s Shoulders
- In One’s Face
- Give Someone the Cold Shoulder
- Know Something Like the Back Of One’s Hand
- Out of the Corner of One’s Eye
- Work One’s Fingers To the Bone
More Foot/Feet Idioms
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