🇨🇳Chinese Source WordCode: ZH

走错了脚步

Pronunciation / Transliteration: zǒu cuòle jiǎobù

🇬🇧 Direct English Meaning:
On-the-Wrong-Foot/ɒn ðə rɒŋ fʊt/
idiomCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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🇨🇳 Example Sentence in Chinese:

"他迟到,会议走错了脚步。"

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As idiom
  1. 1

    To be in a disadvantageous or unfavorable position or situation.

    "He started the meeting on the wrong foot by arriving late."
  2. 2

    To begin something in a way that is likely to lead to problems or difficulties.

    "Their relationship got off on the wrong foot due to a misunderstanding."

Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The phrase 'on the wrong foot' likely originates from the early 19th century, with roots in English idiomatic expressions. It metaphorically relates to starting off in an unfavorable position, akin to beginning a dance or movement with the incorrect foot, which would lead to missteps.

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