Caught on the back foot

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Meaning

Taken by surprise or off balance, reeling.

Origin

From 20th-century Britain, tied to cricket; 'back foot' for defense, slang by 1930s in a match tale for lag. A 1940s 'Times' uses it for a shock.

Variants

  • Back foot

Usage Examples

  • He was caught on the back foot-didn't expect it.
  • Caught on the back foot; news hit hard.
  • Back foot; off guard now.

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