How to Pronounce "off the back foot"
expression
ˈɔf/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbæk/ /ˈfʊt
AWF thuh BAK FOOT
ˈɒf/ /ðə, ði/ /bˈæk/ /fˈʊt
OF thuh BAK FOOT
Definition
To act or respond from a position of disadvantage, retreat, or defensiveness, especially when reacting instead of taking initiative; originally from cricket, but used generally.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɔf/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbæk/ /ˈfʊt
British English
ˈɒf/ /ðə, ði/ /bˈæk/ /fˈʊt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
AWF thuh BAK FOOT
UK
OF thuh BAK FOOT
Listen in Context
The team played off the back foot for most of the match.
Don’t start your argument off the back foot or you may lose.
He answered all the questions off the back foot and looked unsure.
After the surprise attack, we were forced to operate off the back foot for weeks.