PhrasesHub

Not a leg to stand on

    Definitions

      • lacking evidence or support
        To have no valid argument or proof to support one's claim or position in a discussion or debate

      • in a helpless or vulnerable position
        To be in a situation where one has no power or control over a situation or outcome

      • unable to physically stand or walk
        To be physically incapacitated or disabled, often due to injury or illness

    Examples of Not a leg to stand on

    • Sarah's argument had no substance whatsoever. She was completely unprepared to defend her position and effectively had "not a leg to stand on."

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a person has no evidence or justification for their position or argument. It means that they are unable to support their claims and are essentially powerless to defend them. This idiom highlights a lack of credibility and weak position that is not backed up by facts or evidence.

    • The sales department failed to provide any solid evidence to support their claims, leaving them with not a leg to stand on in the boardroom meeting.

      This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone lacks any justifiable reasoning or backing for their arguments or actions, making them appear weak or defenseless. In this example, the sales department's inability to present convincing evidence undermines their credibility and leaves them with no viable options to support their proposals during the boardroom meeting.

    • The CEO's explanation for the company's recent losses was so flimsy that it left the shareholders with not a leg to stand on to retain their faith in the company's leadership.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used metaphorically to convey a situation where someone's excuses are questionable and do not provide a solid foundation for further action. The phrase "not a leg to stand on" can be interpreted as a lack of support or resources, whether that be in the form of evidence, proof, or credibility. In this context, the shareholders are left with no justifiable reasons to trust the CEO after his weak explanation.

    • The prosecutor's case against the defendant came crashing down when the main witness recanted her testimony, leaving the prosecutor with not a leg to stand on in the courtroom.

      This is a legal example that demonstrates how the idiom can also be applied to the field of law. The phrase "not a leg to stand on" signifies a loss of ground or authority, particularly in situations where someone's arguments are weakened or undermined. In this example, the prosecutor's weakened position and lack of evidence leaves her no viable options to proceed with the case, and she is forced to drop the charges against the defendant.

    • The politician's campaign was stymied by a series of scandals, leaving him with not a leg to stand on in the polls.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can also be used figuratively to describe a situation where someone's reputation or credibility is damaged, leaving them vulnerable or in a weakened position. In this case, the phrase "not a leg to stand on" can be interpreted as a loss of public support or standing, particularly in the context of political campaigns where popularity and public opinion are critical factors in success. The politician's weakened position and lack of support in the polls leaves him with no viable options to contest the election or regain popularity.

    • The thief was caught red-handed with no alibi or evidence to support his claims. He had not a leg to stand on during the trial.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is in a position of complete vulnerability and has no defense or options left. It's like being standing on legs made of rubber that can't support you. In this case, the thief was caught in the act and had no way to deny his guilt, leaving him with absolutely no defense.

    • The struggling business owner presented his financial report to the bank, but the numbers showed a severe lack of profitability. The bank representative simply replied, "Mr. Smith, you have not a leg to stand on."

      This idiom can also be used to describe the situation where a person presents evidence or arguments, but they are insufficient or inadequate to support their claims. In this example, the business owner's financial report did not provide enough evidence to convince the bank that his business was stable and profitable.

    • The politician's reputation was destroyed by a series of scandals that left him with not a leg to stand on. He was forced to resign from office and abandon his political career.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the situation where a person's reputation, credibility, or authority is irreparably damaged by wrongdoing or misconduct. In this case, the politician's scandals left him with no support or backing, leaving him with nothing but disgrace and shame.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "not a leg to stand on" is used to convey a sense of lacking or deficiency in various situations. It can be used to describe a lack of evidence or support for an argument, a feeling of helplessness or vulnerability, or a physical inability to stand or walk. In all cases, the idiom implies a sense of weakness or disadvantage.

    Origin of "Not a leg to stand on"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 1800s, where it was first used in legal contexts. In court cases, a person who did not have a valid argument or evidence to support their claim would be described as "not having a leg to stand on." This phrase was likely chosen due to its literal meaning of being unable to physically stand, representing the idea of being unable to stand up for oneself in a legal setting.

    Over time, the idiom became more commonly used in everyday language to describe a lack of evidence or support in any situation. It is often used in a figurative sense, where the lack of a "leg to stand on" is not necessarily literal but still conveys a sense of weakness or disadvantage. The idiom has also evolved to be used in more general situations, not just legal ones.

    In conclusion, the idiom "not a leg to stand on" originated in the legal field and has since become a commonly used phrase to describe a lack of evidence or support, a feeling of helplessness, or physical incapacitation. Its literal meaning has been expanded to encompass a wider range of situations, making it a versatile and widely understood idiom in the English language.