afoot

American  

[uh-foot] / əˈfʊt /

adverb

1. on foot; walking.

   I came afoot.

2. astir; in progress.

   There is mischief afoot.

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afoot British  

/ əˈfʊt /

adjective

1. in circulation or operation; astir

   mischief was afoot

2. on or by foot

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Etymology

Origin of afoot

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

Explanation

Something that's afoot is already happening, underway, or being prepared. You might reassure your fellow French club members that plans are afoot for a fund raiser to support your upcoming trip to Québec. People frequently say that plans are afoot when they've started preparing for a party, an election campaign, a job hunt, or anything else that requires some planning. Plans might be afoot for your dad's surprise party, for example, or your sister's wedding. Another, less common way to use afoot is to mean "on foot," or "walking." You could tell your teacher that you're late to school because you missed the bus and had to travel afoot.

Example Sentences

Heavy touches, slow afoot, playing like they had the weight of the World Cup on their shoulders.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026

But secretive military moves are also afoot, with plans for upgraded or new runways for both military and civilian use.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

From week to week, I try not to make a big deal of the fact that most SUVs and crossovers, regardless of pedigree, are overweight, top heavy, undersprung and generally clumsy afoot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

But last summer, there were early signs of changes afoot.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

As before Legolas was first afoot, if indeed he had ever slept.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien