give somebody a leg-up
give (one) a leg up
1. To provide a physical boost or lift upward. I think I can reach the roof if you give me a leg up.
2. To provide support, encouragement, or an added advantage. Our after-school program is aimed to give students a leg up in any subject they are having difficulty with. I wouldn't have been able to afford college if I hadn't been given a leg up from my parents.
give somebody a ˈleg-up
1 (British English, informal) help somebody climb up or onto something, for example, a horse or a wall: I gave him a leg-up.
2 (informal) help somebody, usually by giving them money: His father gave him a leg-up when he was starting his business.