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
AgnesAG-nəs (English), AHK-nes (German), AHKH-nəs (Dutch), AHNG-nes (Swedish)English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Garnet (2)-English
JorieJAWR-eeEnglish
Paulus-Ancient Roman, Biblical Latin
Dionysios-Greek, Ancient Greek
Kephalos-Greek Mythology