Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to catch someone with their trousers/pants down
idiom
/tə kæʧ ˈsʌmˌwʌn wɪð ðɛr ˈtraʊzərz pænts daʊn/
Definition
To catch someone in a vulnerable or unprepared situation, especially when they are not ready for scrutiny or criticism.
Examples
- If the manager had come in earlier, he would have caught the employees with their pants down, not working as they should.
- During the meeting, he caught her with her trousers down, unprepared to discuss her project.
Meaning
This phrase signifies unexpectedly exposing someone at a moment when they are unable to defend themselves or their actions.
Synonyms
- catch off guard
- expose
- unprepared
