flat-footed

/ ˌflætˈfʊtɪd /

adjective

1. having flatfoot
2. informal.
   1. clumsy or awkward
   2. downright and uncompromising
3. informal.
   off guard or unawares (often in the phrase catch flat-footed )

Derived Forms

• ˌflat-ˈfootedly, adverb
• ˌflat-ˈfootedness, noun

Idioms and Phrases

see caught flat-footed .

Example Sentences

Democrats have said they were caught flat-footed by voters' perceptions of crime in the state.

From Salon

They seem to have been caught completely flat-footed.

From Salon

In “Amerika,” he appears as both Chaplin’s Tramp — he mastered the flat-footed walk by practicing in his room at night — and also as the comedian’s Hitler avatar.

From New York Times

It's been nearly four years since the former president participated in a debate, so he may face the same risk of being caught flat-footed and rusty that Mr Biden faces.

From BBC

Foreign automakers selling in China have been caught flat-footed by an electric vehicle boom that has shaken up the market, the world’s largest, over the last three years.

From Seattle Times