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.

See also: catch

caught flat-footed

Caught unprepared, taken by surprise, as in The reporter's question caught the President flat-footed. This usage comes from one or another sport in which a player should be on his or her toes, ready to act. [c. 1900]

See also: caught

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