flatfooted
Americanadjective
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having flatfeet.
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taking or showing an uncompromising stand in a matter; firm and explicit.
a flatfooted denial.
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clumsy or plodding; maladroit.
flatfooted writing.
idioms
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of flatfooted
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.
"Some want to clear their name and move on. Others hope to catch the prosecution flatfooted and unprepared for trial."
From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2023
Last year was the year the Fed got caught flatfooted by the highest levels of inflation seen in 40 years.
From Reuters ● Jan. 18, 2023
The answers form the broader message Sund delivers, calling out systemic failures that left his agency and the country flatfooted despite clear signs intelligence agencies had received of a gathering storm.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 1, 2023
The Coyotes were caught flatfooted by a non-whistle in their last game, a 1-0 loss to Vegas.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 26, 2021
It climbed through several switchbacks and, for a stretch, rose at an angle so steep you had to walk on your toes; if you tried walking flatfooted, you stretched your calves till they hurt.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
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.
