backfoot
Reactive, not proactive
To backfoot someone is to put them at a disadvantage or catch them off guard, forcing them into a defensive position: The unexpected question backfooted the minister.
The term comes from cricket, where a batsman on the back foot is responding reactively rather than attacking.
Chiefly British.
The noun phrase on the back foot describes someone who has been put in this position: The scandal left the company on the back foot.
Sanctuary or withdrawal
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- guardedWary and restrained
reactive · cautious · hesitant · unprepared · disadvantaged · off-balance · pressured · cornered
Unfavorable circumstance or condition
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- surprisedCaught unawares
- off-guardNot anticipating trouble
reactive · rattled · flustered · outmaneuvered · disarmed · ambushed · blindsided · disconcerted
retreat
Sanctuary or withdrawal
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- recoilBackward force from discharge
guarded · reactive · cautious · hesitant · unprepared · disadvantaged · off-balance · pressured · cornered · vulnerable
disadvantage
Unfavorable circumstance or condition
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- surprisedCaught unawares
off-guard · reactive · rattled · flustered · outmaneuvered · disarmed · ambushed · blindsided · disconcerted · unsettled
defense
Protection against harm
hook · pull · wicketkeeper · slip · gully · fielder · boundary · overs · batting · stance
backfooton the front foot
front-foot · on the offensive · in control · dominant position · driving seat
backfootfront foot
Anterior limb extremity
on the front foot · offensive · aggressive · proactive · assertive
back, foot, football, backbone, footing, footstep, feedback, barefoot, footed