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3. lose (one's) footing

lose (one's) footing

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lose (one's) footing

1. To stumble and/or fall, typically during a physical activity such as walking. I sprained my ankle when I lost my footing on a hike. Be careful not to lose your footing while you're on the ladder!

2. By extension, to lose one's stability by entering a precarious or unsettling situation. I loved my job, so I really lost my footing when I was laid off. I'm just worried that he'll lose his footing if he drops out of school now—there's no guarantee he'll ever go back.

See also: lose