on one's feet

on one's feet  {adv. phr.}

1. Standing or walking; not sitting or lying down; up.

Before the teacher finished asking the question, George was on his feet ready to answer it.

In a busy gasoline station, the attendant is on his feet all day.

Compare: TO ONE'S FEET.

Contrast: OFF ONE'S FEET.

2. Recovering; getting better from sickness or trouble.

Jack is back on his feet after a long illness.

Susan was on her feet soon after the operation.

The bank loaned the store money to get it back on its feet after the fire.

3. See: LAND ON ONE'S FEET, STAND ON ONE'S OWN FEET, THINK ON ONE'S FEET.