Putting One’s Best Foot Forward
Imagine if your feet were in a race for your affection—who would win? Spoiler: They’re both great, but idiomatically, we’re only interested in your best foot! What this saying implores is a bit of positivity, literally starting off on the right footing.
Definition:
“Put one’s best foot forward” means to make the best possible effort or to make a good first impression.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Go the extra mile: To make a special effort to achieve something.
- Give 110%: To give more effort than is expected or usual.
- Spare no effort: To put in as much effort as possible to achieve something.
- Leave no stone unturned: To look at all possibilities in order to achieve an outcome or find an answer.
Antonyms:
- Slack off: To give less effort than is expected.
- Drop the ball: To make a mistake or do something poorly, especially when you are responsible.
- Make a half-hearted effort: To not apply oneself fully.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “I always put my best foot forward, but my feet are odd, so it’s a shuffle.” - Anonymous
- “The only exercise some people get is putting their foot in their mouth and then trying to get it out!” - Traditional Joke
Proverbs:
- “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao Tzu
- “Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.” - H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Inspirational Farewell Thought
Remember, the world is your oyster, but it’s up to you to find your pearls. Put your best foot forward, because even in slippers, determination shines—and you never know who’s watching your grand entrance! 🌟
Reference Interactions
Suggested Literature & Books:
- “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale
- “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
Songs:
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Poetry:
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Movies:
- “Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
- “Rocky” (1976)
### Which of these is a real phrase that means to give a great effort?
- [ ] Jump the shark
- [x] Put one's best foot forward
- [ ] Knit your brows
- [ ] Flying with chicken wings
> **Explanation:** "Put one's best foot forward" is the correct phrase, meaning to make a noteworthy effort or impression. The others are concoctions of whimsy and fabric!
### Which idiom implies making a significant, additional effort?
- [x] Go the extra mile
- [ ] Fall flat on your face
- [ ] Punch above your weight
- [ ] Keep your nose to the grindstone
> **Explanation:** "Go the extra mile" suggests making a superlative effort, whereas the others all relate to various levels and types of effort, but not specifically extra effort.
### True or False: 'Spare no effort' is synonymous with 'Put your best foot forward.'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Both idioms mean to exert the highest level of effort possible, striving for a positive result.
