the act of physically visiting or going to different places in order to gather information or do research, the preliminary or routine work necessary to accomplish a task

put in the legwork, do the legwork, let someone else do the legwork

Formal and Informal Expressions of legwork

In different contexts, you can replace 'legwork' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'research, preliminary work' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'footwork, spadework' is a commonplace synonym.

legwork: Explore its Definition & Usage

legwork Definition

1the act of physically visiting or going to different places in order to gather information or do research
2the preliminary or routine work necessary to accomplish a task

Using legwork: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "legwork" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I did all the legwork for this project.
Example
The journalist had to do some legwork to get the story.
Example
The sales team did the legwork to find new clients.
Example
Before starting the business, we did some legwork to understand the market.

legwork Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for legwork

Idioms Using legwork

put in the legwork
to put in the effort and time required to accomplish a task
Example
If you want to succeed in this field, you need to put in the legwork.
do the legwork
to do the preliminary or routine work necessary to accomplish a task
Example
Before launching the product, we need to do the legwork to ensure its success.
let someone else do the legwork
to let someone else do the preliminary or routine work necessary to accomplish a task
Example
I don't have time to do the legwork, so I'll let my assistant handle it.

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Summary: legwork in Brief

'Legwork' [leg-wurk] refers to the physical act of visiting different places to gather information or do research, or the preliminary work necessary to accomplish a task. It is often used in business or journalism contexts, such as 'The sales team did the legwork to find new clients.' 'Legwork' can also be used in idiomatic expressions like 'put in the legwork,' meaning to put in the effort and time required to accomplish a task.