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Word

legwork

noun
UK /ˈlɛɡˌwɜːk/
US /ˈlɛɡˌwɝk/

Legwork refers to the practical effort, often involving physical travel, needed to gather information or complete a task.

legwork: Legwork refers to the practical effort, often involving physical travel, needed to gather information or complete a…

Meanings

noun

The practical work of collecting information or performing tasks, often involving walking or traveling to various locations.

Definition

Legwork is the physical effort, typically involving walking or traveling to different places, that is required to collect information, investigate a matter, or prepare thoroughly for a larger project. It emphasizes the hands-on, practical component of a task that cannot be accomplished remotely. This term highlights the dedication and direct action necessary to achieve a specific goal.

Examples

  • The interns did all the legwork for the research project, gathering data from various libraries across the city.
  • Before starting her new business, she put in a lot of legwork visiting potential suppliers and surveying market trends.
  • Finding the perfect venue for the annual charity event required extensive legwork, including many site visits and negotiations.
  • The journalist spent weeks doing legwork, interviewing witnesses and sifting through old reports to uncover the truth.
  • He realized that solving the complex mystery would involve a good deal of legwork, not just online searching and phone calls.

Common mistake

A common mistake is to use "legwork" to mean general physical exercise or training, rather than the specific type of practical effort involved in gathering information or preparing for a task.