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Legwork Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฃ
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legwork

[หˆlษ›ษกหŒwษœrk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

physical effort

Legwork refers to the physical effort or work done, especially in relation to research or investigation. It typically involves going from place to place to gather information or complete tasks. This term is often used in contexts like journalism, detective work, or any situation where groundwork is necessary. Despite its literal connotation of using one's legs, it can be used metaphorically to describe putting in the effort to achieve a goal.

Synonyms

effort, investigation, research, work.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist did a lot of legwork to uncover the scandal.
  • The detective's legwork led to the breakthrough in the case.
  • The team needs to do some legwork before making a decision.
  • He put in the legwork to ensure a successful event.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'legwork'

The term 'legwork' has its roots tied to the physical actions of walking or moving. The word 'leg' has Old English origins, derived from 'lวฃg', which used to denote the lower limb or the walking appendage of the body. The combination with 'work' emphasizes the labor and effort put into tasks that typically require mobility. First known to be utilized in the early 20th century, it's often linked to investigative roles, where individuals literally and figuratively needed to 'work' with their legs to gather information. Over time, the term has expanded into broader usage, emphasizing the groundwork involved in less physical but equally demanding tasks, denoting the prerequisite effort that goes into research, planning, or decision-making.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,828, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.