legwork

See also: leg-work and leg work

English

WOTD – 19 July 2009

From leg +‎ work.

legwork (usually uncountable, plural legworks)

Work, especially research or preparation, that involves significant walking, travel, or similar effort.
- 1955 March 7, “Who'll Buy My Stocks?”, in Time:
  In addition to spreading more information, brokers are going to have to do some leg work to get new customers.
- 2003 May 1, Peter Spotts, “What the world has done right on SARS”, in Christian Science Monitor, retrieved 5 Jan. 2009:
  The worldwide effort has already revealed several valuable lessons [including] . . . the use of old-fashioned legwork in tracking down people who may unknowingly carry a virus.
- 2004, Jerry Acuff, The Relationship Edge in Business, page 62:
  John did all the legwork. He had the invitations printed and mailed. He found speakers.
Skillful or vigorous use of the legs, as in dance or sports.
- 1890 May 11, “Atalanta and Yale Race: An English expert criticizes the crews of Yale and Harvard”, in New York Times, retrieved 5 January 2009, page 20:
  "Watriss, No. 3, is rowing well. . . . His leg work is very fair."
- 2005, Thomas Incledon, Matthew Hoffman, Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan, page 353:
  Fancy legwork and jumping rope will get you in great shape.

work, especially research, that involves significant walking

skillful or vigorous use of the legs