释义 |
put one's best foot forward, to put one's best foot forwardFig. to act or appear at one's best; to try to make a good impression. When you apply for a job, you should always put your best foot forward. I try to put my best foot forward whenever I meet someone for the first time.See also: foot, forward, putput one's best foot forwardTry for the best possible impression, make a good start, as in Come on, let's put our best foot forward for this interview. The allusion in this idiom is unclear, though it may concern marching. One theory is that best foot means "the right foot," the left being regarded as unlucky. [Late 1500s] See also: foot, forward, put best foot forward A favorable initial impression: He always has his best foot forward when speaking to his constituents. Put your best foot forward during an employment interview.See also: foot, forwardput one's best foot forward, toTo try to make the best possible impression. There is something inherently puzzling about this expression, which dates from the sixteenth century. What exactly is one’s “best foot,” and why should it signify putting on a good show? Shakespeare made it the better foot (in Titus Andronicus and King John), and Sir Thomas Overby wrote, in 1613 (Characters: A footeman), “His legs are not matches, for he is still setting the best foot forward.” One writer suggests that “best foot” always meant “right foot,” the left being considered unlucky. Whatever the explanation, the metaphor is still current.See also: foot, put |