land on one's feet
land on both feet
To get yourself out of trouble without damage or injury and sometimes with a gain; be successful no matter what happens.
No matter what trouble he gets into, he always seems to land on his feet.
Mary lost her first job because she was always late to work, but she landed on her feet and soon had a better job.
After a series of personal and professional difficulties, it’s amazing that George has landed on his feet so quickly.
Some young adults get into so much trouble at school that they are never able to land on their feet again. They drop out before graduating.
land-office business
A great rush of business.
It was a hot day, and the drive-ins were doing a land-office business in ice cream and cold drinks.
landing ship
A ship built to land troops and army equipment on a beach for an invasion.
The landing ship came near the beach, doors in the bow opened, and marines ran out.
landslide
An overwhelming victory during a political election.
Ronald Reagan won the election of 1980 in a landslide.
last ditch
last-ditch effort
last stand
The last place that can be defended; the last resort.
They will fight reform to the last ditch.
lay hands on
To get hold of; find; catch.
The treasure hunters can keep any treasure they can lay hands on.
If the police can lay hands on him, they will put him in jail.
To do violence to; harm; hurt.
They were afraid that if they left him alone in his disturbed condition he would lay hands on himself.
lay of the land
how the land lies
The natural features of a piece of land, such as hills and valleys.
The style of house the contractor builds depends partly on the lay of the land.
The way something is arranged; the important facts about something; how things are.
The banker wanted to check the lay of the land before buying the stock.
Before the new boy will join our club, he wants to see how the land lies.
lay one's hand on
put one's hand on
To find; locate.
He keeps a file of letters so he can lay his hands on one whenever he needs it.