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.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Krzesimir	-	Polish
Daveth	-	Cornish
Patroklos	-	Greek Mythology
Fulvia	FOOL-vyah (Italian)	Italian, Ancient Roman
Kathleen	kath-LEEN	Irish, English
Oliver	['ɔlivə]