lead foot

noun

plural lead feet
: a tendency to drive excessively fast
I'm not going to lie—I have a lead foot when it comes to driving. For some reason, when I'm out on the open road, I can't help but press a bit harder on the accelerator than I should. Just ask my car—she'll tell you.— Caitlin Moran
… this is not your Aunt Bessie's Camry—unless your Aunt Bessie has a lead foot …— Mark Kennedy

Examples of lead foot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Think of pushing off with the back foot rather than overextending the lead foot. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024 Voelcker said regen braking is different on every EV and some vehicles may be better than others for those with a lead foot. — Morgan Korn, ABC News, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead foot was in 1920

Rhymes for lead foot

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Lead foot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20foot. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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