Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

someone is caught with their pants down

idiom
/ˈsʌmˌwʌn ɪz kɔt wɪð ðɛər pænts daʊn/
Definition
To be caught in an embarrassing or vulnerable situation without preparation.
Examples
  • When his boss walked in unexpectedly, he was caught with his pants down and had to scramble to cover his mistake.
  • She was caught with her pants down during the meeting when she didn’t have the necessary documents ready.
Meaning
This phrase describes a scenario where a person is surprised or discovered in a moment of weakness or unpreparedness.
Synonyms
  • caught off guard
  • surprised
  • caught unaware