Meaning & use
on the right foot
Last updated
Meaning
phraseidiom
In a good or successful way from the beginning; making a positive start.
Grammar: Usually used after 'start' or 'get off': We started off on the right foot.
Patterns
- start off on the right foot
- get off on the right foot
- begin on the right foot
The new manager started off on the right foot by meeting everyone personally.
If you want to get off on the right foot with your in-laws, bring a small gift.
The project began on the right foot with a clear plan and a strong team.
Common combinations
- start off on the right foot
- She started off on the right foot by arriving early and prepared.
- get off on the right foot
- He got off on the right foot with his new colleagues.
- begin on the right foot
- The negotiations began on the right foot with a friendly exchange.
- get off on the wrong foot
- I got off on the wrong foot with my roommate by forgetting his name.
Synonyms and how they differ
- start well
- A plain alternative; it lacks the idiomatic flavor of 'on the right foot'.
- get off to a good start
- Similar meaning, but this phrase is more neutral and common in everyday speech.
Opposites
Commonly confused: on the right foot or on the wrong foot?
on the right foot vs on the wrong foot
This is the opposite: it means to start badly or make a poor first impression.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'on the right foot' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'On the right foot' is an idiom meaning to begin something well, not a literal reference to a foot or direction.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on the right foot”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.