Meaning of Idiom ‘Light on Your (or one’s) Feet’
To be light on one’s feet means to be able to move quickly and to be agile and nimble. 1
Usage
Dancers are often said to be light on their feet. The idiom is also often used of people who do not seem likely to be agile and to be able to move around quietly and gracefully. For example, “For such a heavy man, he’s remarkably light on his feet.”
Examples Of Use
“Even as a child David was light on his feet and had a natural talent for dance.”
“The thief was light on his feet, moving quietly among the shadows.”
“To be a good boxer, you have to be light on your feet.”
Origin
Used since at least the late 1800s.
More Idioms Starting with L
- Like Herding Cats
- Look What the Cat Dragged In
- Losing My Religion
- Like Nobody’s Business
- Lot Riding On Something, a
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
More Foot/Feet Idioms
- Foot the Bill
- Put Your Foot Down
- Shoe is On the Other Foot, the
- Two Left Feet
- Put Your (or One’s) Best Foot Forward
More Light Idioms
More On Idioms
References- Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.