trip up

Idioms and Phrases

Make or cause someone to make a mistake, as in The other finalist tripped up when he was asked to spell “trireme,” or They tripped him up with that difficult question . [Second half of 1700s]

Example Sentences

Another point that has tripped up some residents is that upon approval for the buyout, the property owner will be required to release the city and all other agencies of liability.

From Los Angeles Times

This year's swan upping trip up the river had the involvement of schools along the route, in an attempt to spread the message about protecting wildlife.

From BBC

Grealish was centre stage in another City parade last month, almost tripping up at the front of the bus, which could have had disastrous consequences.

From BBC

The victim was tripped up by the group and fell, sustaining minor injuries.

From BBC

That issue proved problematic for the Trump administration’s efforts to limit border crossings, and it could trip up Biden’s latest order as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flounder
• hesitate
• reel
• waver
• wobble