on the right foot, get off

Idioms and Phrases

Also, start off on the right foot . Make a good beginning, establish good relations, as in It's important to get off on the right foot in this new job . This usage, alluding to walking correctly, was first recorded in 1909; the antonym, get off on the wrong foot , as in I'm afraid we got off on the wrong foot with our daughter's in-laws , was first recorded in 1925.