legwork

American  

[leg-wurk] / ˈlɛgˌwɜrk /

noun

1. work or research involving extensive walking or traveling about, usually away from one's office, as in gathering data for a book, a legal action, etc.

2. action of the legs as executed by an athlete, dancer, etc.

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legwork British  

/ ˈlɛɡˌwɜːk /

noun

1. informal work that involves travelling on foot or as if on foot

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Etymology

Origin of legwork

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; leg + work

Example Sentences

But it isn’t straightforward, and it will require legwork.

From MarketWatch

Without doing the legwork about what ongoing volunteer roles get you into, Edelstein warns, “you can really get involved very quickly and deeper than you ever expected—in something that may not appeal to you.”

From The Wall Street Journal

While lawyers and their staff do much of the legwork for trial preparation, a client works with their attorneys to help formulate a defense.

From Salon

Leading up to the draft, Horn’s situation also required extra scouting legwork.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts said it is unrealistic to expect Californians to do that kind of legwork as they search for care for themselves or family members.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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• checking
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• research
• review
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• scrutiny