cut the ground from under (someone)

cut the ground from under (someone)

To suddenly cause problems for someone. I plan to cut the ground from under the prosecutor with this line of questioning.

See also: cut, ground

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cut the ground from under

Unexpectedly withdraw support or destroy one's foundation, trip someone up. For example, Overriding his veto, Congress cut the ground from under the President. This metaphoric phrase alludes to removing the solid earth from under someone. [Mid-1800s]

See also: cut, ground

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

cut the ground from under someone

or

cut the ground from under someone's feet

If you cut the ground from under someone or cut the ground from under their feet, you make their ideas or opinions seem less impressive, often by doing something unexpected. The sudden announcement was seen by many as an attempt to cut the ground from under the president's feet.

See also: cut, ground, someone

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012