backfoot

English

Alternative forms

• back-foot

Etymology

back +‎ foot

Verb

backfoot (third-person singular simple present backfoots, present participle backfooting, simple past and past participle backfooted)

1. (transitive) To put on the defensive; to put off balance.
   • 1996, Kenneth Branagh, “The Film diaries”, in Hamlet‎, page 188:

     Hamlet is bitter, evasive, now backfooting them, now attacking, now genial - their job isn't going to be easy.

   • 2006 Feb 21, “Japan opposition gears up for showdown on Livedoor”, Boston Globe:

     Koizumi's government has been backfooted by the indictment of Horie, the former CEO of Livedoor Co., on charges of violating securities regulations

Related terms

• on the back foot
• on the back footing