on one's feet

noun

1. a plural of foot.

Idioms

2. drag one’s feet, to act or proceed slowly or without enthusiasm; to be reluctant to act, comply, etc.: We can’t begin the project until the steering committee stops dragging its feet.
3. land/fall on one’s feet, to be lucky or successful, especially after difficulties: He’s had some rough times but has finally landed on his feet.
4. on one’s feet,
   1. in a standing position.
   2. in an independent or secure position: The loan helped him get on his feet again.
   3. in a restored or recovered state; able to continue: Psychotherapy helped her get back on her feet after her breakdown.
5. sit at the feet of, to attend upon as a disciple or follower: American writers and painters no longer sit at the feet of Europeans.
6. stand on one’s own feet,
   1. to be financially self-supporting.
   2. to be independent: Overprotective parents do not prepare their children to stand on their own feet.

   Also stand on one’s own two feet.

7. sweep one off one’s feet, to impress or overwhelm by ability, enthusiasm, or charm: The gaiety of the occasion swept them off their feet.

noun

1. the plural of foot
2. at someone’s feet as someone’s disciple
3. be run off one’s feet or be rushed off one’s feet to be very busy
4. carry off one’s feet or sweep off one’s feet to fill with enthusiasm
5. feet of clay a weakness that is not widely known
6. get one’s feet wet to begin to participate in something
7. have one’s feet on the ground or keep one’s feet on the ground to be practical and reliable
8. on one’s feet or on its feet
   1. standing up
   2. in good health
   3. (of a business, company, etc) thriving
9. put one’s feet up to rest
10. stand on one’s own feet to be independent

n.plural of foot (n.). 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

. 1Standing, as in I’m tired—I’ve been on my feet all day. [Mid-1400s] Also see get to one’s feet. 2Also, back on one’s feet. Healthy, returned to good health, as in I hope you get back on your feet very soon. [c. 1800] In addition to the idioms beginning with feet

feet of clay

feet on the ground

also see:

at someone’s feet

both feet on the ground

dead on one’s feet

don’t let the grass grow under one’s feet

drag one’s feet

fall on one’s feet

get one’s feet wet

get the lead out of (one’s feet)

get to one’s feet

have two left feet

hold someone’s feet to the fire

off one’s feet

on one’s feet

put one’s feet up

rush off one’s feet

shake the dust from one’s feet

six feet under

stand on one’s feet

take the load off (one’s feet)

think on one’s feet

under one’s feet

vote with one’s feet

Also see underfoot.