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. 1Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.
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
- Loudmouth, be a
- Let Bygones Be Bygones
- Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots, a
- Last One In is a Rotten Egg
- Leave Holding the Bag
More Body Part Idioms
- Armed to the Teeth
- Elbow Grease
- Elbow Room
- Blow Smoke Up Someone’s Ass
- Give Your Right Arm (for something)
More Foot/Feet Idioms
- Two Left Feet
- Put Your (or One’s) Best Foot Forward
- Put Your Foot In Your Mouth
- Let The Grass Grow Under Ones Feet
- Jump In With Both Feet
More Light Idioms
More On Idioms
Sources
| 1. | ↲ | Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010. |