legs
Legs are the limbs of a human or animal that support the body and allow for standing, walking, and running. They typically extend from the hip or pelvis down to the foot.
Legs are the essential lower limbs that enable movement and provide structural support for both living beings and furniture.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The lower limbs used for standing and movement.
- Used to describe supports for furniture items.
- Commonly used in idioms about endurance and travel.
Summary
Legs are the essential lower limbs that enable movement and provide structural support for both living beings and furniture.
- The lower limbs used for standing and movement.
- Used to describe supports for furniture items.
- Commonly used in idioms about endurance and travel.
Use Leg Day for Fitness
In gym culture, 'leg day' refers to a specific workout session dedicated to strengthening the lower body. It is a very common term among exercise enthusiasts.
Avoid Slang in Formal Writing
While words like 'pins' or 'stems' are sometimes used to describe legs, they are informal or poetic. Keep to 'legs' in professional or academic settings.
Legs in Idiomatic Expressions
English has many idioms involving legs, such as 'break a leg,' which is a way to wish someone good luck before a performance. Remember that it is never meant literally!
Examples
4 of 4She hurt her legs while playing soccer.
The table legs are made of polished oak.
I'm going for a walk to stretch my legs.
The study analyzes the mobility of the lower legs in athletes.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a table standing up; it needs legs just like you do to stand. If you want to remember the idiom, think of a 'long-legged' idea that can walk a long distance into the future.
Overview
The word 'legs' refers to the primary lower limbs of vertebrates. In humans, the leg consists of the thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle, and foot. It is a fundamental anatomical term used in biology, sports, and daily conversation. Usage Patterns: 'Legs' is almost exclusively used in the plural form when referring to a person's limbs, as we naturally have two. It is also used metaphorically to describe the supporting parts of furniture, like a table or chair. Common Contexts: You will encounter this word frequently when discussing physical activity, health, or fashion. For example, 'I have tired legs' after a long walk, or 'stretching your legs' to recover from sitting. It is also common in idioms like 'to have legs,' meaning an idea or project has the potential to last or succeed. Similar Words Comparison: 'Limbs' is a broader term that includes arms, while 'lower extremities' is a medical or formal term for legs. 'Pins' is a slang term sometimes used to refer to long human legs, but it is informal and should be used with caution.
Usage Notes
The word 'legs' is neutral and used in all levels of formality. When referring to humans or animals, it is a direct anatomical term. When referring to objects, it is a standard descriptor for structural supports.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse 'leg' with 'foot.' Remember that the leg is the long part, and the foot is the part that touches the ground. Also, avoid using 'legs' for objects that don't have vertical supports.
Memory Tip
Think of a table standing up; it needs legs just like you do to stand. If you want to remember the idiom, think of a 'long-legged' idea that can walk a long distance into the future.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Old Norse word 'leggr,' which meant 'bone' or 'leg.' It entered Middle English around the 13th century, eventually replacing the Old English word 'shank.'
Cultural Context
In Western culture, the phrase 'break a leg' is a common, ironic way to wish someone good luck before a performance, as it is believed that wishing for good luck directly might invite bad luck.
Examples
She hurt her legs while playing soccer.
everydayThe table legs are made of polished oak.
formalI'm going for a walk to stretch my legs.
informalThe study analyzes the mobility of the lower legs in athletes.
academicWord Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
break a leg
have legs
leg room
Often Confused With
The feet are the parts at the very bottom of the legs. The leg is the entire limb, while the foot is just the base.
Thighs are specifically the upper part of the leg. Legs is the general term for the whole limb.
Grammar Patterns
Use Leg Day for Fitness
In gym culture, 'leg day' refers to a specific workout session dedicated to strengthening the lower body. It is a very common term among exercise enthusiasts.
Avoid Slang in Formal Writing
While words like 'pins' or 'stems' are sometimes used to describe legs, they are informal or poetic. Keep to 'legs' in professional or academic settings.
Legs in Idiomatic Expressions
English has many idioms involving legs, such as 'break a leg,' which is a way to wish someone good luck before a performance. Remember that it is never meant literally!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
After the marathon, my ___ were extremely sore.
The context of a marathon implies physical running, which uses the legs.
Choose the correct meaning of 'legs' in this context: 'The table has four wooden legs.'
What does 'legs' refer to here?
In the context of furniture, legs are the supports holding the object up.
Reorder the words to make a correct sentence.
stretching / I / my / need / legs / to
The phrase 'stretch one's legs' is a standard English collocation.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, you can refer to a single 'leg' when talking about one limb or one support of a table. However, since humans have two, we refer to them as 'legs' in most natural contexts.
Yes, the vertical supports that hold a chair or table off the ground are called legs. This is standard terminology in furniture design.
If an idea or story 'has legs,' it means it has the potential to continue for a long time or be successful. It suggests longevity and durability.
Absolutely, legs are critical in almost every sport. We often talk about 'leg day' in fitness or 'using your legs' to gain power in activities like cycling or running.
