The Story Has Legs
Meaning
The phrase, “The story has legs,” simply means that a story, idea, or piece of information has enough interest or potential to continue attracting attention. In other words, it has the ability to go somewhere beyond its original telling and remain relevant or interesting for some time.
The expression is often used by journalists, writers, publishers, and people working in media when they believe a particular story has more to it. It might lead to further investigation, generate public interest, or develop into a bigger story.
The “legs” are figurative. Just as a person needs legs to move forward, a story with “legs” has enough substance or appeal to keep moving forward rather than quickly disappearing.
Usage
It is commonly used in conversations about news, gossip, entertainment, business, or any situation where an idea could attract continued attention. It can also be used more broadly for an idea or project that has the potential to succeed over time.
The phrase usually has a positive or optimistic tone, although it can sometimes be used when discussing rumors or controversial stories. For example, a journalist might say, “I think this story has legs,” meaning that there is enough evidence or public interest to justify pursuing it further.
It is generally informal and works best in conversation or professional settings where people are discussing stories, ideas, or developments.
Example Sentences
- “There’s something unusual about this case, and I think the story has legs.”
- “The interview attracted thousands of views, so the story clearly has legs.”
- “We should investigate this further because I believe the story has legs.”
- “At first, I thought it was just a small rumor, but it looks like the story has legs.”
- “The editor liked the idea and said the story had legs beyond the original article.”