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On the Back Foot

What Does "On the Back Foot" Mean?

homeidiomsOn the Back Foot
"On the back foot" is an English idiom. It means "in a defensive or disadvantageous position, often used in sports or competitive situations."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "on the back foot" used in a sentence:
  • The team was on the back foot after conceding an early goal, but they managed to stage a comeback.
  • The candidate found herself on the back foot during the debate when faced with tough questions.
  • Due to budget constraints, the company was on the back foot in competing with larger rivals.
meaning for on the back foot

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "On the Back Foot" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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