"Legged it" is an informal phrase that means to run away quickly. Its spelling can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. "Leg" is pronounced as "lɛɡ" and "ged" is pronounced as "ɡɛd". When these two words are combined, the "g" sound is dropped and the vowel sound in "leg" is lengthened. Therefore, "legged it" is spelled as it sounds – "lɛɡɛd ɪt". This phrase is commonly used in British English and can be used to describe escaping quickly from a situation or to describe someone else's actions.
"Legged it" is an informal British slang idiom that refers to the act of quickly and hastily running away or fleeing from a particular location or situation. The phrase is primarily used in the past tense, which emphasizes that someone swiftly left a place as a result of fear, danger, or urgency.
The term "legged it" originates from the notion of using one's legs as the primary means of escape. It conveys the image of physically moving away by rapidly running or sprinting. The phrase is commonly associated with situations where a swift exit is necessary, such as evading trouble, avoiding confrontation, or escaping from an undesirable or precarious circumstance.
The expression "legged it" is often used in an informal or colloquial setting, predominantly within British English. It comprises a simple and concise description of the action taken, leaving no room for ambiguity or misconstrued meaning. This phrase carries a sense of urgency and spontaneity, suggesting that the individual acted on instinct or without much forethought. It can be employed to describe a wide range of scenarios, ranging from minor incidents to more serious events.
Overall, "legged it" captures the essence of a sudden, rapid retreat, emphasizing the speed and determination with which someone departs from a situation, often evoking a real or perceived threat or the need to avoid specific consequences.
The phrase "legged it" is an idiomatic expression that originated in British English slang. It is used to describe the action of running away or making a quick escape on foot.
The etymology of the phrase is relatively straightforward. The word "legged" in this context is derived from the noun "leg", referring to the lower limb of the human body used for walking and running. The addition of the verb "it" suggests the act of going quickly or suddenly, emphasizing the physical action of using one's legs to escape or flee.
Since the phrase is slang, it is challenging to pinpoint an exact timeframe or a specific origin. However, it has been used colloquially in British English for many decades, perhaps even longer. It is frequently employed in informal conversations, particularly in the context of describing someone making a hurried exit or evading a situation.