- Meaning
- This idiom means to be caught off-guard, put at a disadvantage, or forced into a defensive position due to an unexpected situation. It suggests being unprepared or struggling to respond effectively, often leaving one scrambling to regain control. The phrase is commonly used in sports, business, debates, or social interactions to describe someone reacting to a surprise setback or challenge.
- Origin
- The phrase originates from cricket, a sport popular in England since the 16th century, where a batsman is said to be ‘on the back foot’ when pushed backward by a fast or unexpected delivery, signaling a defensive stance. It appeared in cricket terminology by the 19th century, with an 1878 *Wisden Cricketer’s Almanack* describing players ‘caught on the back foot’ when unprepared. By the early 20th century, the phrase was used metaphorically in British English, particularly in journalism, to describe political, business, or personal setbacks. A 1932 *Times* article used it to depict a politician unprepared for a scandal. Its adoption in Commonwealth countries and later in global English reflects cricket’s cultural influence.
- Variants
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- On the back foot
- Caught on the backfoot
- Examples
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- The company was caught on the back foot when their competitor launched a surprise product.
- She was on the back foot during the debate, unprepared for the tough questions.
- Caught on the back foot by the sudden policy change, the team scrambled to adapt.
- He was caught on the backfoot when his boss asked for the report he hadn’t finished.
- The politician was on the back foot after the media exposed the contradiction in her speech.
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