Zeller Cellar Word Fun #7

March is almost over, so we better march into the cellar. Here we go down the same old creaky stairs. It smells damp down here because it rained the other day.  I want you to pick, because you always find the best words. Let’s do Famous Phrases again, even though we picked from that box last month.

Aha!  “Put your best foot forward.”  That’s something we all have to do at times. It means to make a good first impression or to try one’s best. For example, if you’re trying out for a school team or a school play, and you have to compete against others, someone might encourage you by saying, “I know you’ll put your best foot forward.”

There are a couple theories about the origin of this Famous Phrase. It was first recorded in the second edition of Sir Thomas Overbury’s poem, “A Wife,” around the year 1613: “Hee is still setting the best foot forward.” That was over 400 years ago!!  (writingexplained.org)

Another origin comes from a guide during a historic tour of Greensboro, North Carolina, who explained that when young ladies curtsied and young men bowed, they were advised to “put their best foot forward” to make the best curtsy or bow possible. (westwardsagas.com)

Fun things to do

There’s lots of other phrases that use foot or feet. Match the saying on the left with the appropriate meaning on the right

a) Foot the bill                               ___Make a good start at something

b) Put your foot down                   ___Charm someone quickly

c) Get your feet wet                       ___Gain an advantage to something

d) Keep both feet on the ground  ___Say something you shouldn’t have

e) Get off on the right foot            ___Hold on to your beliefs or rules

f) Put your foot in your mouth       ___Pay the bill for something expensive

g) Get a foot in the door                ___Participate in an activity for first time

h) Sweep someone off their feet    ___Remain practical and sensible

(From New Oxford American Dictionary)