tuː left fiːt
Body Parts
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Having two left feet instead of one left and one right
What does "two left feet" mean?
- To be clumsy, especially at dancing
- To lack coordination in movement
Examples
- I can't dance—I have two left feet.
- Don't ask him to dance; he has two left feet.
- Despite having two left feet, she enjoys dancing classes.
Origin
From the awkwardness of trying to dance or walk with two left feet—no right foot for balance.
How to use it
Self-deprecating way to describe poor dancing ability. Always humorous.
Similar expressions
clumsy
uncoordinated
awkward
graceless
Opposites
graceful
coordinated
nimble
light on one's feet
Related idioms
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To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "two left feet" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.