on one's feet
Idioms-
In addition to the idiom (see the next entry) on one's feet, also see dead on one's feet; fall (land) on one's feet; get to one's feet; set one back on one's feet; stand on one's feet; think on one's feet.
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Standing, as in I'm tired—I've been on my feet all day . [Mid-1400s] Also see get to one's feet .
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Also, back on one's feet . Healthy, returned to good health, as in I hope you get back on your feet very soon . [c. 1800]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Part of the skill involved is being able to think on one’s feet and make those objections in a timely and accurate way to preserve them for appeal.
From Slate • May 31, 2024
It was a rigorous job — one that required serious mental acuity during long, hot shifts of being on one's feet.
From Salon • Oct. 28, 2022
And when you realize that your desires and your ambitions are restricted by the status quo, one has to think quickly on one’s feet.
From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2022
Abad said she started Walters with aquatic therapy, where the water eases the weight put on one’s feet.
From Washington Times • May 25, 2017
“But I’m afraid you have it backward. It is better to live on one’s feet than die on one’s knees. That is the way the saying goes.”
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
