| 词汇 | caught someone flat-footed |
| 释义 | (redirected from caught someone flat-footed)catch (someone) flat-footedTo startle someone; to come upon someone unawares and/or when they are unprepared. Usually used in the past tense. The security guard caught the thieves flat-footed. That essay question in the exam caught me completely flat-footed. caught flat-footedCaught unprepared, taken by surprise, as in The reporter's question caught the President flat-footed. This usage comes from one or another sport in which a player should be on his or her toes, ready to act. [c. 1900] catch someone flat-footedtake someone by surprise or at a disadvantage. informalThe opposite of flat-footed in this metaphorical sense is on your toes (see toe). 1998 Field Farming and forestry were both caught flat-footed when fashion changed. |
| 随便看 |
|
青年旅行网英语在线翻译词典收录了440382条英语词汇在线翻译词条，基本涵盖了全部常用英语词汇的中英文双语翻译及用法，是英语学习的有利工具。