Put one’s best foot forward means to make the best impression one can, or to get off to a good start. The origin of this phrase is murky. One theory is that to put one’s best foot forward refers to starting a journey with your best or strongest foot. Another theory is that the left side was considered the sinister, evil or unlucky side. Therefore, one would start out on the right foot in order to ensure blessings or good luck. Shakespeare wrote: “Nay, but make haste; the better foot before.” in the play King John.
Examples
And when you’re going into one thinking it’s another interview instead of the interview, you’re unlikely to put your best foot forward. (The Lowell Sun)
Mollie said she has learned that no matter how busy and stressful life gets, it’s important to keep a positive attitude, put your best foot forward and never give up. (The Valley News)
“But I turn up every week and put my best foot forward and there are different ways I can monitor it and the club has been very good with that.” (The New Zealand Herald)
“Now my aim is to put my best foot forward for the Rio Olympics.” (The Daily Mail)
“I’d put in the hard yards in the pre-season and I made it a thing for myself to put my best foot forward and if I didn’t get chosen I wouldn’t be far away from it,’’ Pulu said. (The Gold Coast Bulletin)
A well-known Ballymena United official will put his best foot forward this weekend as part of a new charity fund-raising initiative. (The Ballymeana Times)
“He will want to put his best foot forward and make sure he is playing his best footy when he gets back.” (The Australian)