ˌflat-ˈfooted adjective1. having flat feet
2. informal moving in an awkward way
Synonym : clumsy:
The defence looked flat-footed as Sutton scored easily.3. catch somebody flat-footed American English to surprise someone so that they cannot do something in the way they ought to
Synonym : catch somebody off guard:
The President’s announcement seemed to catch Democrats flat-footed. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
flat footed adj.,
informal 1. Straightforward; forthright; direct; outright.
The governor issued a flat-footed denial of the accusation. He came out flat-footed against the idea. 2. Not ready; not prepared;
■ usually used with "catch".
The teacher's question caught Tim flat-footed. Unexpected company at lunch time caught Mrs. Green flat-footed. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲