"step off on the wrong foot" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 一开始就出错
• 起步不利

Definition

以不好的方式或不顺利开始一段关系或活动，通常会从一开始就带来问题或误会。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

这是口语习惯用语，经常用于形容人际关系或合作刚开始时就有误会或不愉快。常用于过去时。中文常用“一开始就出错”或“起步不利”表达类似意思。也有‘get off on the wrong foot’的说法。

Examples

We stepped off on the wrong foot, so working together was difficult at first.

我们**一开始就出错**，所以一开始合作很难。

If you step off on the wrong foot, it can be hard to fix later.

如果你**一开始就出错**，之后很难弥补。

They stepped off on the wrong foot, but became friends later.

他们**一开始就出错**，但后来成了朋友。

I think we stepped off on the wrong foot, but let's try to start over.

我觉得我们**一开始就出错**了，但让我们重新开始吧。

Don't worry if you step off on the wrong foot with someone—things can still improve.

如果你和谁**一开始就出错**了，也不用担心，关系还是可以改善的。

He always worries that he’ll step off on the wrong foot in new situations.

他总担心在新环境下会**一开始就出错**。