Meaning & use
good footing
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
a position of mutual trust and friendly relations with someone
Grammar: Used after 'on' or 'on a': be on good footing with someone.
Patterns
- be on good footing with someone
- get on a good footing with someone
After the argument, they worked hard to get back on good footing with each other.
The two countries are now on a good footing after years of tension.
phrasefixed phrasebusiness
a secure and stable position, especially in business or finance
Grammar: Often used with 'put' or 'get' when talking about organizations or money.
Patterns
- put something on a good footing
- get something on a good footing
The new manager put the company on a good footing before the recession hit.
We need to get our finances on a good footing before we expand.
Common combinations
- on a good footing
- The two teams are on a good footing after the joint training.
- get back on good footing
- It took months for them to get back on good footing.
- put something on a good footing
- The loan put the business on a good footing.
- establish a good footing
- They established a good footing with local suppliers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- good terms
- Very similar, but 'good terms' is more common for personal relationships and does not usually suggest financial stability.
- solid ground
- Focuses more on safety and certainty, often used for arguments or plans, not relationships.
Opposites
Commonly confused: good footing or footing?
good footing vs footing
On its own, 'footing' means a secure place to stand or a basis; 'good footing' adds the idea of a positive, trusting relationship or stable position.
Practice
After the disagreement, they tried to get back on a good ______ with each other.
Choose one answer.
'Good footing' is the fixed phrase for a trusting relationship. 'Ground' and 'base' are related but do not form the established expression with 'good'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “good footing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.