flat-footed

¹flat–foot·ed

adj \ˈflat-ˌfu̇-təd, ˌflat-ˈ\

Definition of FLAT-FOOTED

1

: affected with flatfoot; broadly : walking with a dragging or shambling gait

2

a : firm and well balanced on the feet b : free from reservation : forthright <had an honest flat–footed way of saying a thing>

3

: not ready : unprepared —used chiefly in the phrase catch one flat-footed

4

: proceeding in a plodding or unimaginative way : pedestrian <flat–footed prose>

— flat–foot·ed·ly adverb

— flat–foot·ed·ness noun

First Known Use of FLAT-FOOTED

1601