be on the front foot

To be in an advantageous position, especially over an opponent; to be in an aggressive or attacking state or position. The defending champions started the first half of the match truly on the front foot, but they've started losing momentum here in the second half. The senator was on the front foot during the debate, remaining on the attack the whole way through. A: "Wow, we've been on the front foot this whole game, huh?" B: "Well, scoring six runs in the first inning sure helps!"