E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Legs.
On his legs. Mr. So-and-So is on his legs, has risen to make a speech.
1
On its last legs. Moribund; obsolete; ready to fall out of cognisance.
2
To set on his legs. So to provide for one that he is able to earn his living without further help.
3
To stand on one’s own legs. To be independent: to be earning one’s own living. Of course, the allusion is to being nursed, and standing “alone.” (See BOTTOM.)
