get a leg up
Secure an edge
To get a leg up is to gain an advantage or boost, especially one that helps you advance or succeed: Her internship gave her a leg up in the job market.
The phrase comes from mounting a horse—someone cups their hands to boost the rider's leg into the stirrup.
A leg up can also mean simply receiving help or assistance.
Beginning advantage given
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
- upper handPosition of control
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- benefitAdvantage or gain
lead · vantage · opportunity · boost · advancement · jump start · inside track · competitive edge
Assistance given
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- boostUpward push or increase
- liftMechanism for vertical transport
- handGrasping body part
aid · mentorship · sponsorship · guidance · backing · encouragement · recommendation · referral
head start
Beginning advantage given
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
- upper handPosition of control
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
benefit · lead · vantage · opportunity · boost · advancement · jump start · inside track · competitive edge · stepping stone
help
Assistance given
hand · aid · mentorship · sponsorship · guidance · backing · encouragement · recommendation · referral · connection
get a leg upfall behind
Fail to maintain pace
lose ground · take a step back · hit a wall · stall out · regress
get a leg upgo it alone
Proceed without help
pull oneself up by one's bootstraps · start from scratch · do it yourself · stand on one's own two feet