on the back foot

B

on the back foot (idiom)
/ɑn ðə bæk fʊt/

  • Being at a disadvantage in a situation, often feeling the need to defend oneself.
  • Occupying a defensive or less advantageous position compared to an opponent.
  • Experiencing a position of disadvantage, retreat, or defeat.

Example Sentences

  1. After the unexpected merger announcement, our company found itself on the back foot in the market.
  2. The politician was on the back foot during the debate, struggling to counter the opponent’s arguments.
  3. Facing a series of injuries, the team started the season on the back foot.
  4. The sudden policy change put the administration on the back foot, scrambling to adjust.
  5. Caught off guard by the question, she was momentarily on the back foot before composing her response.

Origin and History

The idiom “on the back foot” is believed to have originated from sports terminology, particularly cricket and boxing. In cricket, a batsman may shift their weight onto the back foot to play a defensive stroke, especially when responding to a short-pitched delivery. This backward movement positions the batsman defensively, often indicating a reaction to a challenging ball.

In boxing, being “on the back foot” refers to a defensive stance where the boxer shifts weight onto the rear foot, allowing for better evasion of punches and maintaining distance from the opponent. This posture is typically adopted when a boxer is under attack, aiming to defend rather than initiate offense.

Adoption into General Usage

Over time, the phrase transcended its literal sports contexts and entered general usage to describe situations where an individual or group is at a disadvantage or forced into a defensive position. This metaphorical application is now prevalent in various fields, including business, politics, and everyday conversations.

Earliest Recorded Use

The term “back foot” as a noun and adjective, with its earliest known use dating back to before 1522. This early usage is found in a translation by Gavin Douglas.

Determining the exact earliest printed record of the phrase “on the back foot” is challenging due to its colloquial origins. However, its usage in literature and media became more noticeable in the late 20th century. For instance, Val McDermid’s 2003 novel, “The Distant Echo,” includes the line:

“Lawson wasn’t going to be put on the back foot by Brian Duff.”

This suggests that by the early 2000s, the idiom was sufficiently established to be used in mainstream literature.

Synonyms

  • on the defensive
  • at a disadvantage
  • in a tight spot
  • under pressure
  • cornered

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