Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
on-the-back-foot
idiom
/ˌɒn ði ˈbæk fʊt/
Definition
In a defensive or disadvantageous position, often used to describe someone who is struggling or reacting rather than acting.
Examples
- After the unexpected news, the team was left on-the-back-foot and had to quickly regroup.
- She felt on-the-back-foot in the meeting when her idea was immediately criticized.
- The sudden changes in the market put the company on-the-back-foot, needing to adapt to survive.
Meaning
To be in a state of difficulty or disadvantage, particularly when unexpected challenges arise.
Synonyms
- at a disadvantage
- on the defensive
- in a weak position
