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flatfooted

[ flat-foot-id ]

adjective

  1. having flatfeet.
  2. taking or showing an uncompromising stand in a matter; firm and explicit:

    a flatfooted denial.

  3. clumsy or plodding; maladroit:

    flatfooted writing.



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Other Words From

  • flatfooted·ly adverb
  • flatfooted·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of flatfooted1

First recorded in 1595–1605; flatfoot + -ed 3
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Idioms and Phrases

Idioms
  1. catch one flatfooted, to catch one unprepared; surprise:

    The amount of the bill caught us flatfooted.

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Example Sentences

The popularity of this simple "freedom" framework can be seen in how flatfooted the Trump campaign has been responding to Harris's nomination.

From Salon

The Trump campaign was caught flatfooted, or flat golf carted, take your pick.

From Salon

Three eye-catching uppercuts in a row troubled Cordina in the sixth and, flatfooted, he was backed into the ropes in the seventh and the referee had seen enough in the following round after another barrage of punches.

From BBC

While Israel’s highly regarded security and intelligence services were clearly caught flatfooted by Hamas’ ability to breach its Gaza defenses, the group appears to have hidden its extensive preparations for the deadly assault in plain sight.

"Some want to clear their name and move on. Others hope to catch the prosecution flatfooted and unprepared for trial."

From Salon

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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