flat-footed
Britishadjective
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having flatfoot
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informal
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clumsy or awkward
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downright and uncompromising
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informal off guard or unawares (often in the phrase catch flat-footed )
Other Word Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But Denver is coming off a loss and won’t be caught flat-footed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2026
Many investors were caught flat-footed when stocks suddenly jerked higher late last month, as a dramatic July momentum unwind ended with a hint of optimism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
But her flat-footed handling of the huge fires that tore through the city in January 2025 left her in trouble.
From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026
The cinematography, score and editing all stay flat-footed in deference to its lead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026
But somehow, after throwing a fit in the starting gate and being left flat-footed at the bell, the colt won his race that day.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
