Idiom
get off on the wrong foot
Meanings
To begin an interaction, relationship, or situation in a bad way, often due to a negative first impression.
To start a plan, task, or project poorly because of early mistakes or confusion.
Definition
To start a relationship or situation badly because of a poor first impression or misunderstanding.
If you get off on the wrong foot, you begin a relationship, project, or interaction in an awkward or negative way. It often happens because of a misunderstanding, bad timing, or a mistake at the start. The phrase focuses on the beginning, not necessarily the final result, because things can improve later.
Examples
- I think I got off on the wrong foot with my new manager by interrupting her in the meeting.
- They got off on the wrong foot, but after a few weeks they became good friends.
- We got off on the wrong foot because the directions I sent were confusing.
- I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot with the neighbors, so I’ll introduce myself first.
- The interview got off on the wrong foot when the video call kept freezing.
Common mistake
Learners often use the wrong preposition (e.g., say “get off in the wrong foot” instead of “get off on the wrong foot”).
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.