have two left feet
To be very clumsy at dancing
حرفيًا: To possess two left-sided feet
Use this phrase to humorously excuse your lack of dancing skills in social situations.
في 15 ثانية
- A humorous way to say you are a terrible dancer.
- Used to describe lack of coordination and rhythm on the floor.
- Best for self-deprecating jokes at social events like weddings.
المعنى
If you say you have two left feet, it means you are very clumsy when you try to dance. It describes that awkward feeling when your feet just won't follow the rhythm or the steps.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Declining a dance at a wedding
I'd love to join you on the floor, but I have two left feet!
I'd love to join you on the floor, but I am a terrible dancer!
Talking about a new hobby
I tried taking a salsa class, but it turns out I have two left feet.
I tried taking a salsa class, but it turns out I have no rhythm.
A formal gala invitation
While I have two left feet, I am happy to support the charity event.
Even though I can't dance, I am happy to support the charity.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase draws on historical biases where the 'left' side was associated with awkwardness or even 'sinister' traits (the Latin word for left is 'sinister'). In modern English, it has lost any negative moral meaning and is now a purely humorous way to describe a lack of rhythmic coordination. It is a very common 'social shield' used in Western cultures to politely decline a dance.
Use it for self-defense
This is the perfect 'polite' excuse. If you don't want to dance, people usually stop asking if you make a joke about your 'two left feet'.
Don't use for hands
Remember, this is only for feet/dancing. If you drop your phone or break a glass, use the phrase `all thumbs` instead.
في 15 ثانية
- A humorous way to say you are a terrible dancer.
- Used to describe lack of coordination and rhythm on the floor.
- Best for self-deprecating jokes at social events like weddings.
What It Means
Imagine trying to dance when both your feet are identical. Specifically, imagine they are both left feet. You would trip over yourself constantly. You would have no balance. This phrase is a funny way to say you are bad at dancing. It implies you lack coordination on the dance floor. It is almost always used about dancing, not general clumsiness.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase to describe yourself. It is a form of self-deprecation. You can say I have two left feet or He has two left feet. It works as a great excuse. Use it when someone asks you to dance. It tells them you are willing but probably dangerous to toes. It is a lighthearted way to admit a lack of skill.
When To Use It
Use this at weddings or parties. It is perfect for when the music starts playing. You can use it when talking about a dance class. It is also common in dating contexts. If a partner asks you to salsa, use this to set expectations. It turns an embarrassing moment into a joke. You will sound humble and relatable.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for serious physical disabilities. It is strictly for lack of rhythm or skill. Avoid using it for professional mistakes. If you drop a plate, say you are all thumbs instead. Two left feet is specifically for movement and dancing. Also, do not use it to insult a professional dancer. That would be quite rude!
Cultural Background
This idiom has been around for many decades. It relies on the idea that the 'right' side is the 'correct' side. In many cultures, the left side was seen as awkward or unlucky. By having two of the awkward side, you are double-clumsy. It is a staple of English small talk. Most native speakers use it to avoid being judged on the dance floor.
Common Variations
There are not many variations of this specific phrase. You might hear someone say they are dancing with two left feet. Some might say they were born with two left feet. Occasionally, people swap it for all thumbs if they are clumsy with their hands. However, the 'two left feet' version is the gold standard for dancing.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is very safe to use in almost any social setting. It is informal but not vulgar. It is most effective when used to make light of your own mistakes on the dance floor.
Use it for self-defense
This is the perfect 'polite' excuse. If you don't want to dance, people usually stop asking if you make a joke about your 'two left feet'.
Don't use for hands
Remember, this is only for feet/dancing. If you drop your phone or break a glass, use the phrase `all thumbs` instead.
The 'Left' Stigma
In English, many idioms use 'left' to mean bad or wrong (like a 'left-handed compliment'). This phrase is a harmless remnant of that old cultural quirk.
أمثلة
6I'd love to join you on the floor, but I have two left feet!
I'd love to join you on the floor, but I am a terrible dancer!
A polite and funny way to say no to a dance invitation.
I tried taking a salsa class, but it turns out I have two left feet.
I tried taking a salsa class, but it turns out I have no rhythm.
Used to explain why a dance class didn't work out.
While I have two left feet, I am happy to support the charity event.
Even though I can't dance, I am happy to support the charity.
Using self-humor to soften a formal response.
Don't expect much tonight, you know I have two left feet lol.
Don't expect much tonight, you know I'm a bad dancer.
Casual warning to a friend before a social event.
Look at me go! I clearly have two left feet in this video.
Look at me! I am clearly very clumsy at dancing in this video.
Laughing at one's own lack of grace.
It doesn't matter if you have two left feet, I just want to dance with you.
It doesn't matter if you are clumsy, I just want to dance with you.
Showing affection despite the other person's lack of skill.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
I'm not going to the disco because I ___. I'll just trip over everyone!
The context of 'disco' and 'tripping' indicates a lack of dancing skill, which is exactly what 'two left feet' means.
Complete the dialogue.
Partner: 'Want to waltz?' You: 'Only if you don't mind that I ___.'
This is a classic way to warn a dance partner that you aren't very good at dancing.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Two Left Feet'
Used with friends and family at parties.
I've got two left feet, let's just stay at the bar!
Safe for work parties or weddings.
I'm afraid I have two left feet when it comes to the waltz.
Rarely used in serious writing, but okay in speeches.
Despite my two left feet, I shall attempt this dance.
Where to use 'Two Left Feet'
Wedding Reception
Declining a fast song.
Dance Class
Explaining why you are struggling.
First Date
Making a joke about your lack of grace.
Nightclub
Telling friends you'll just watch.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is purely metaphorical. It just means you are uncoordinated specifically when dancing.
It is almost exclusively used for dancing. For general clumsiness, you might say I'm a klutz or I'm accident-prone.
It can be a bit mean if they are trying hard. It's best used for yourself as a joke, or for a very close friend in a teasing way.
Only if you are literally talking about a social dance event. It doesn't have a metaphorical meaning for 'bad at business'.
You could say someone is light on their feet or a natural-born dancer.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is widely understood by all age groups and is not considered 'cool' or 'street' language.
No, that isn't an expression. Even though right is usually 'good', the idiom only works with 'left'.
Yes, it is very common in both American and British English, as well as Australian English.
You can say I had two left feet when I was younger. The verb have changes normally.
Occasionally people use it for soccer to mean they can't kick well, but 90% of the time it refers to dancing.
عبارات ذات صلة
All thumbs
To be very clumsy with your hands.
To have itchy feet
To have a strong desire to travel.
To get cold feet
To become nervous about a big decision (like a wedding).
Light on one's feet
To be graceful and move easily.
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