What it means
Means to relax properly and get comfy, usually at home after work or when you're worn out. You can mean it literally, feet up on the sofa or a stool, or just as a cosy way of saying stop fussing and have a proper rest. It's often said warmly when someone's been run ragged and needs to switch off.
Usage examples
"You’ve been grafting since six, mate. Stick the kettle on, put your feet up, and I’ll sort dinner while you watch the footy."
"Come on in, take your coat off and put your feet up, the kettle's already boiling for tea."
"After that twelve-hour shift all I want is to put my feet up and watch something mindless on the telly."
"You look done in, love. Go on, put your feet up and I’ll bring you a brew."
"Soon as I get through that front door, I’m putting my feet up and ignoring the world for an hour."
Where it comes from
This is an old literal English phrase that's been around since at least the 19th century. The picture is dead simple: work's done, you sit down, stretch out, and get comfortable. Over time it stuck as an everyday way to mean relax properly, especially at home, even when nobody's actually got their feet raised.
Other ways to say it
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