afoot

[ uh-foot ]

adverb

1. on foot; walking:

   I came afoot.

2. astir; in progress:

   There is mischief afoot.

afoot

/ əˈfʊt /

adjective

1. in circulation or operation; astir

   mischief was afoot

2. on or by foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of afoot¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, afoot is from Middle English a fote, on fote. See a- ¹, foot

Example Sentences

The very fact that so many troops co-existed with so many militants meant some kind of complicated alliances were afoot.

From The Daily Beast

Even the World Heath Organization, which has plenty to worry about in impoverished nations, knows there is big trouble afoot.

From The Daily Beast

Even if Putin is serious about diplomacy for the moment, there is a deeper problem afoot for Obama.

From The Daily Beast

There's a bearded, flannel-shirted movement afoot to ditch the Internet and reclaim the pre-digital life.

From The Daily Beast

The same impulse is afoot in less trendy parts of the country.

From The Daily Beast

For example, there is a vast discussion afoot upon the questions that centre upon Property, its rights and its limitations.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the temptation came upon me strong to go on to the ford and see the Mataafa villages, where we heard there was more afoot.

From Project Gutenberg

It is she whom I followed afoot, penniless and wanting bread, until I fell exhausted on the highway and racked with pain.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover then as ever when such doings were afoot was the King himself foremost among his men.

From Project Gutenberg

And the King himself and some of his men rode on horseback, but many more went afoot.

From Project Gutenberg