show a leg

English

Etymology

Supposedly originated in the 19th century Royal Navy as a waking call[1].

Verb

to show a leg

  1. (idiomatic, nautical) To wake up and get out of bed. (Used mostly in the imperative).
    Show a leg or you're going to be late.

See also

References

  1. ^ National Maritime Museum [1]
Last modified on 29 March 2012, at 15:36