Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

not have a leg to stand on

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.53 in modern English

Syllables: not have a leg -to -s-tand on
IPA

28

Scrabble Score

20

Letters

4

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To lack support, as in an argument, debate, or negotiation.

Example Sentences

"‘You see?’ said Mrs Gowan, turning the palms of her hands towards Mr Meagles, as if she were Justice herself, representing to him that he had better confess, for he had not a leg to stand on."
""But Mr. Elwell's lawyers apparently did not take your view, since I suppose the suit was withdrawn by their advice." "Oh, yes, they knew he hadn't a leg to stand on.""
"It was borne in upon Elizabeth that she hadn't got a leg to stand upon and she sat down."
"If his word and image are consistently proven to be false, he doesn't have a leg to stand on."

Phrases

on one's last legs

Frequently Paired Words

on one's last legs

Questions

What does not have a leg to stand on mean?: To lack support, as in an argument, debate, or negotiation.

How to pronounce not have a leg to stand on

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “not have a leg to stand on”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “not have a leg to stand on”.
Repeat and practice — Say “not have a leg to stand on” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.