Light On Your Feet

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.

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References
  1. Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.