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.

Other Words From

• flatfooted·ly adverb
• flatfooted·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flatfooted¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   The amount of the bill caught us flatfooted.

Example Sentences

"Winn, I won't do it," said Brayton, with flatfooted decision.

From Project Gutenberg

At each encore the Utes stamped their flatfooted way round the room in a kind of impromptu and mirthful dance.

From Project Gutenberg

He'd cite examples of how the whites would stand flatfooted and fight for the blacks the same as for members of their own family.

From Project Gutenberg

So my dignity was shocked when I had to come down from my self-promoted position to a flatfooted infantryman again.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked up, puzzled, first at the comely, flatfooted Indian woman and afterward at the handsome little brown-faced papoose.

From Project Gutenberg