Outmanoeuvred by a competitor or opponent; at a disadvantage.
‘Messi's early goal put Milan on the back foot’
‘the government found itself on the back foot as peaceful demonstrations continued’
‘By the early summer of 1918, the German submarines were clearly on the back foot.’
‘The Irish government appeared to be put on the back foot.’
‘The polls may not show much change but the government gives all the appearances of being on the back foot.’
‘The exodus of people from the coastal areas of the city following media reports of a fresh tsunami on Monday night caught the administration on the back foot.’
‘The bank, unable to defend its position, has been on the back foot since news of the bid was leaked last Sunday.’
‘Crime is falling, gangland criminals are on the back foot and more gardai are on the beat than ever before.’
‘Surprisingly Spurs didn't spend the rest of the night on the back foot.’
‘In early trading today the dollar was on the back foot in Asia after suffering its biggest one day decline in three years against the Japanese yen.’
‘In reply, Australia were immediately on the back foot with the loss of David Warner for one.’
‘His opponent, Leonardo Mayer, opted for an attacking game that put Murray on the back foot.’
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