catch someone flat-footed

catch (someone) flat-footed

To startle someone; to come upon someone unawares and/or when they are 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.

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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catch napping
catch off guard
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catch one's breath
catch one's death (of cold)
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catch sight of you
catch some rays
catch some shuteye
catch some Z's
catch some Z's
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catch some Zs
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catch someone with their pants down
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Catch structure
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Catch the Bus
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catch the eye of (someone)
catch the eye of her
catch the eye of him
catch the eye of me
catch the eye of someone
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