not have a leg to stand on

Meaning: To be in an indefensible situation or to have no support for an argument or case.

Example: “Without a receipt, you don't have a leg to stand on.”

Origin: Having a leg to stand on lends support to something, and not having a leg to stand on means support is lacking.

More English idioms

pick someone's brain To get information from someone, usually by questioning the person carefully and in great…
play it by ear To go along with a situation as it develops before deciding what to do; to do something w…
poker face An expressionless face; a face that reveals nothing of one's feelings or thoughts.
put one's best foot forward To try to make the best possible impression.
put one's finger on it To identify or understand something properly.
put one's foot down To be firm and unyielding about something.

Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.

He that is thrown would ever wrestle. One who has suffered defeat becomes perpetually combative, unable to accept vulnerability.
He who maketh others wretched is himself a wretch, whether prince or peasant. Cruelty corrupts the perpetrator's own soul regardless of their social station or power.
Say no ill of the year till it is passed. Withhold judgment on circumstances until their full course concludes, as premature critic…

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