cut the ground from under somebody/somebody's feet

cut the ground from under(neath) (one's) feet

To suddenly cause problems for one. I plan to cut the ground from underneath the prosecutor's feet with this line of questioning.

See also: cut, feet, ground

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

cut the ground from under somebody/somebody’s ˈfeet

suddenly spoil somebody’s idea or plan by doing something to stop them from continuing with it: When he announced that all my figures were out of date, he really cut the ground from under my feet.

See also: cut, feet, ground, somebody