on the wrong foot
The phrase "on the wrong foot" is commonly used to describe an inauspicious or unfavorable beginning, particularly in relationships or activities.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)To begin a relationship or activity in a way that leads to misunderstandings or difficulties.
Example
- They started off on the wrong foot, leading to frequent disagreements.
- The project got off on the wrong foot due to a lack of clear communication.
B2General
(informal)To start something in a disadvantaged or unfavorable position.
Example
- After missing the deadline, he felt he was on the wrong foot with his boss.
- The team got off on the wrong foot by losing their first match.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the wrong foot":
on the right footon the back footin the wrongoff the markstick one's foot in ittread on someone's toesgo wrongwrong sideout of stepgone wrongon the front footoff keelthe wrong side ofset footoff baseget wrongin the wrong place at the wrong timeout on one's feetwrong 'unstart offfeet first