catch someone flat-footed

catch (one) flat-footed

To startle one; to come upon one unawares or unprepared. Usually used in the past tense. The security guard caught the thieves flat-footed. That essay question in the exam caught me completely flat-footed. Ugh, our defensemen were caught flat-footed, that's why the other team was able to score so easily.

See also: catch

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

catch someone flat-footed

take someone by surprise or at a disadvantage. informal

The opposite of flat-footed in this metaphorical sense is on your toes (see toe).

1998 Field Farming and forestry were both caught flat-footed when fashion changed.

See also: catch, someone

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