[Idiom] ON THE BACK FOOT. - How to Manage Being in a Challenging Position
On the back foot.
in a defensive or difficult position
To be 'on the back foot' is a vivid idiom originating from sports, particularly cricket, where a player has to shift weight onto the back foot to play a defensive stroke. This has been adopted in day-to-day language to reflect a similar sense of being in a challenging or less advantageous position. Whether in negotiations, personal relationships, or even in a friendly game, finding oneself 'on therench is symbolic of needing to defend rather than attack. It carries the connotation of trying to regain stability and looking for an opportunity to advance. Understanding this idiom can help individuals recognize when they're at a disadvantage and develop strategies to address the situation.
Example Sentences
They found themselves on the back foot.
They found themselves at a disadvantage.
After the early lead, the team was put on the back foot.
After the early lead, the team became disadvantaged.
The unexpected expenses put them on the back foot with their finances.
Unexpected expenses put them at a disadvantage with their finances.