Also spelled flatfooted
adj
adv
Freq #59105
Meanings
-
1
adv
informal: directly, openly, and without qualification or hesitation
Jim came right out flat-footed and said what he intended to do.
-
2
adj
caught unprepared and unable to react quickly
The sudden question left the witness flat-footed.
-
3
adj
having flattened arches or standing with the full soles on the ground
The doctor examined his flat-footed stance before recommending new shoes.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
3
adj
· having flattened arches or...
flat-arched
More
direct
Word family
Forms
flat-footedly
Derived forms
flat-footedlyflat-footedness
Related forms
flat footflatfoot
Etymology
From flat foot plus -ed. The literal anatomical and stance senses produced several figurative uses: standing squarely became speaking directly, while being unable to shift one's feet quickly became being caught unprepared.