Idiom 'Be on the Back Foot'


source: Twominute English    2013年7月11日
The meaning of 'be on the back foot' is to experience a drawback. It means to be on a position of disadvantage. It also means a personal difficulty or challenge.
In this video the meaning of the idiom 'be on the back foot' is described along with it's different uses. Here in this video you will learn the meaning of the idiom and how to use it while speaking in English. Let's learn from this video how you can use this idiom in your conversations.
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0:06 In this lesson you will learn the meaning of the idiom “to be on the back foot' and how we can use it in our daily conversations.
0:18 To be on the back foot means to be in a defensive position.
0:22 Ricky Ponting was batting on the back foot yesterday.
0:25 This is not only used in cricket.
0:29 It is used as an idiom which means forced to be in disadvantage by an opponent.
0:33 Who won the match, Samuel?
0:36 So, you mean, being on back foot also means to be outclassed? The Aussies put the Kiwis on their back foot despite their weak batting.
0:45 You're correct. It also means to be troubled by something or even a physical disability to continue with something.
0:55 Can you give an example, Samuel?
0:58 Sure, the snow storm put us on the back foot on our last mountaineering trip.
1:03 Alright! Mountaineering is fun. Next time do take me along with you.
1:09 That'll be fun for sure! But you'll be on the back foot with those extra pounds of yours.
1:15 C'mon Sammy! Don't you know I go to the gym every day now?
1:26 The new trade policy is putting our company on the back foot.
1:31 I have no worries about it. The deal with Kamone and GL Logistics will compensate for that, for sure.
1:37 I hope you are right , Anton. The competition is really tough these days.
1:42 Veronica, we may be on the backfoot now. But we will grow rapidly soon.
1:52 Hey Samuel! Why didn't you come to school last week?
1:56 I got mugged last week man, and that brought me an injured leg. I was in the hospital.
2:01 Oh, no! But you know Karate don't you?
2:04 Karate is on the back foot when the other guy has a gun.
2:08 You are right. Well, you missed a lot of classes.
2:11 And now I'm going to be on the back foot in studies.
2:21 Hey Anton. How's your team doing?
2:24 You evil girl! You're making fun of me.
2:27 Ha ha! I know your team hasn't won a game all season.
2:32 We are just on the backfoot now. You wait and see! We will win the next game.
2:37 Your team is always on the backfoot, John. They won't win a single game.
2:45 The new trade policy is putting our company on the back foot.
2:55 Karate is on the back foot when the other guy has a gun.
3:05 And now I'm going to be on the back foot in studies.
3:14 We are just on the backfoot now.