underfoot

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   under one's feet, especially while being stepped on or trampled

   Dry leaves crackled underfoot as we crossed the garden.

2. 2
   adj

   occupying the space where people walk and therefore obstructing them

   Loose cables are an underfoot hazard in the workshop.

From Middle English underfote, a compound of under + foot. The literal position beneath the feet gave rise to the figurative idea of being in someone's way or subject to contemptuous trampling.

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