1.
to go over budget, to exceed the estimate, to run a deficit
Describes a situation where expenses exceed the planned budget or available funds.
今月は予算から足が出た。
This month we went over budget.
旅行で足が出ないように計画した。
I planned the trip so we wouldn't exceed the budget.
結婚式で大きく足が出てしまった。
The wedding significantly exceeded our budget.
STRUCTURE: 足 (foot/leg) + が + 出る (to come out). The image is of something sticking out beyond its proper bounds.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 赤字になる (to go into the red, run a deficit) - more direct
- 予算オーバー (over budget) - loanword expression
- 出費がかさむ (expenses pile up)
NUANCE: Often used for personal or small-scale finances, like household budgets, events, or projects. For large corporate deficits, 赤字 is more common.
ORIGIN: The metaphor comes from the image of feet sticking out from under a short blanket - the covering (budget) isn't big enough.