Have legs
“Have legs” means something (like an idea or story) will continue to grow, spread, or succeed.
Meaning: Used when an idea, story, or project shows strong potential to grow and keep developing over time.
Tone: Informal. Very common in business, media, and everyday conversations when talking about ideas or trends.
Example: That idea really has legs — people keep sharing it.
Why: If something has legs, it can ‘move forward’ on its own and continue growing without stopping.
Register: Informal
How It Sounds in Real Life
At first it was just a small concept in a meeting, but the team quickly realized the idea had legs. Investors started showing interest.
The story started as a small post online, but it clearly had legs. Within days everyone was talking about it.
We tested the feature with a few users. The feedback was strong, and it looked like the project might have legs.
Use it when…
- When an idea shows potential to grow or succeed.
- When a story or topic keeps spreading and gaining attention.
- When something small starts becoming bigger over time.
- When early signs show long-term success.
Common Variations
- This idea has legs.
- I think the project might have legs.
- The story really has legs.
Quick Practice
- Have you ever had an idea that unexpectedly had legs?
- What makes a project grow and gain attention?
- When do you realize something small could become something big?
Common Questions
What does have legs mean?
It means an idea, story, or project will keep growing, spreading, or becoming successful.
What kind of things can have legs?
Ideas, stories, trends, projects, or anything that can grow and continue over time.
Is have legs positive?
Yes. It usually means something has good potential and will continue developing.