on the front foot
Meaning(s)
1. be in an advantageous or attacking position
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
put yourself on the front foot in the job interview
Analysis
To be on the front foot means to be in a position of advantage where it is possible to out manoeuver or outsmart your opponent or competitor. This is an expression that comes from sport where placing your weight on the front foot is a dominant or attacking position. This expression has the opposite meaning to 'be on the back foot'.
Social Examples (Basic)
- The team started the match on the front foot, but lost momentum towards the end of the first half.
- I had really good grades for the first term in university so I started out on the front foot.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Due to recent setbacks, our competitors have moved ahead of us. We need to find a way of getting ourselves back on the front foot.
- Rather than allowing yourself to be overawed in a job interview, put yourself on the front foot by being focused and confident.