leg up on

leg up on (one)

An advantage over another person. Getting certifications will definitely give you a leg up on other people applying for the job. I knew I had a leg up on my opponent when I saw that he was struggling to counter my opening moves.See also: leg, on, up

*leg up on someone

Fig. an advantage that someone else does not have. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I have a leg up on Walter when it comes to getting around town, since I have a car. I want to practice indoors all winter and get a leg up on Ken, since he thinks he can beat me at tennis.See also: leg, on, up