shoe-leather
Definition
- Noun:
- Leather used for making shoes: "shoe-leather" refers to the material, typically processed animal hide, specifically used in the construction of footwear.
- Metaphorical usage: In informal contexts, "shoe-leather" can represent the act of walking or foot travel, often in the context of journalism or investigation (e.g., "shoe-leather journalism").
Usage Examples
- Literal:
- The cobbler selected high-quality shoe-leather for the custom boots. (Leather intended for shoe production.)
- Metaphorical:
- The reporter relied on old-fashioned shoe-leather to gather the story. (Actual footwork and physical investigation, not just phone calls or digital research.)
Advanced Usage
- "as good a man as ever trod shoe-leather": A fixed expression meaning an exceptionally good or reliable person.
- He is as good a man as ever trod shoe-leather. (He is among the finest people imaginable.)
Variants and Related Words
- Shoe (n): a covering for the foot.
- She bought a new pair of shoes.
- Leather (n): material made from animal skin.
- The jacket is made of genuine leather.
Synonyms
- Footwear material: shoe hide, sole leather.
- Metaphorical sense: legwork, footwork, ground-level investigation.
Related Idioms
- "on a shoestring": with very little money (not directly related, but shares the shoe metaphor).
- They ran the campaign on a shoestring budget. (With minimal funds.)
- "to wear out one's shoe-leather": to walk extensively, often in pursuit of a goal.
- The detective wore out his shoe-leather following leads. (He walked a great deal while investigating.)