catch (someone) flat-footed



catch (someone) flat-footed

To startle someone; to come upon someone unawares and/or when he or she is unprepared. Usually used in the past tense. The security guard caught the thieves flat-footed. That essay question in the exam caught me completely flat-footed.
See also: catch

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Artem-Ukrainian, Belarusian, Russian
Francescfrən-SESKCatalan
Rain (2)-Estonian
Uniqueyuw-NEEKEnglish (Modern)
Laurena-English (Rare)
Uthyr-Welsh Mythology, Arthurian Romance