front foot

American  

noun

1. a foot measured along the front of a lot.

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Etymology

Origin of front foot

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

After this latest deluge of details to drop in the last few days, Downing Street has sought to be on the front foot: volunteering on the record statements marking each new development, and now seeking to pre-empt a Conservative attempt to squeeze from ministers details of the vetting process prior to Lord Mandelson's appointment to the Washington job.

From BBC

In an attempt to get on the front foot today, the prime minister said there would be an urgent investigation into Lord Mandelson's links with Epstein while he was a minister in the last Labour government.

From BBC

But cheers of "there's only one Josh Kelly" seemed to give the challenger a second wind and he ended the contest on the front foot with flashy work.

From BBC

And he was again on the front foot before Saturday's trip to Leeds, with the Gunners looking for their first win in four league matches.

From BBC

Sri Lanka could not put him under any pressure as he scored freely off both front foot and back, and either side of the wicket, with nine boundaries and a six in his 108-ball knock.

From BBC