🦵 Leg to Stand On: Balancing on Wobbly Arguments
Definition
Leg to Stand On, Doesn’t Have a/Not a/Without a - To have no chance of success. This metaphor, which dates from the sixteenth century, applies the lack of physical support to an argument or hypothesis. The Elizabethan satirist Thomas Nashe once wrote, “Faine he would have pacht out a polt-foot tale, but (God knows) it had not one true leg to stand on.”
Synonyms
- 💬 No basis
- 🏠 House of cards
- ⛔ Standing on thin ice
- 🎲 Crapshoot
Antonyms
- 🔒 Solid argument
- 📇 Concrete evidence
- ✅ Sound grounds
- 🧱 Firm foundation
Related and Similar Terms
- “On shaky ground” - Unstable, unsteady situation or argument.
- “Paper-thin argument” - An argument lacking in depth or substance.
- “Built on sand” - Lacking a solid foundation or basis.
Proverbs
- “A wise man builds his house upon the rock.” - From the biblical parable illustrating the importance of solid foundations.
Humor-filled Quotes
- “His argument is as stable as a two-legged chair. Good luck with that!” - 🍋 Unknown humorist
Examples in Literature
“The Unfortunate Traveller” by Thomas Nashe
An Elizabethan adventure novel where Nashe humorously debunks exaggerated stories.
Faine he would have pacht out a polt-foot tale, but (God knows) it had not one true leg to stand on. - Thomas Nashe (1594)
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
For its themes around unwavering principles and the strength of moral arguments.
“Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande
An eye-opening exploration of life, facing death, and making grounded arguments on crucial matters.
Film and TV Examples
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
A dark comedy that explores the fragile nature of fame and ego, akin to wavering foundations.
“Better Call Saul”
A masterclass in how slippery slopes can often lead to surprisingly firm arguments, and vice-versa.
Pop Culture Examples
Song: “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
Celebrating the courage of standing firmly in one’s beliefs and arguments.
Poem
“The Argument’s Fall” By W.T. Wittywords
I stood there tall, a single leg,
To argue falsehood's heavy claim.
But wind did blow, my balance broke,
And all my points were nought but smoke.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember, in the twisting tango of words and ideas, always ensure your arguments have a solid leg to stand on—they might just do a graceful pirouette instead of a faceplant.
