The Village Idiom

put a foot wrong

The idiom "put a foot wrong" means to make a mistake or to do something incorrectly. It suggests that someone has made an error or misstep in a situation or task.

Filed under P

In a sentence

  • She is a star athlete who has never put a foot wrong in her career.
  • He was always careful in his business dealings and never put a foot wrong.
  • The team has been performing exceptionally well and has not put a foot wrong throughout the tournament.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "put a foot wrong" is a phrase that describes someone making a mistake or error. In horse racing, when a horse puts a foot wrong, it can lead to a stumble or fall, resulting in a loss or injury. This idiomatic expression has been extended to describe situations outside of horse racing where someone missteps or makes an error in judgment, resulting in a negative outcome.

When it comes to the idiom "put a foot wrong," it's important to understand that it is used figuratively rather than literally. It doesn't mean actually placing your foot in the wrong position or tripping. Instead, it is a metaphorical expression that conveys the idea of making a mistake or error in a broader sense.

It's worth noting that "put a foot wrong" is commonly used in informal and spoken English, particularly in the United Kingdom. It is often used in a casual or conversational context, and may not be heard as frequently in formal or written English.

The idiom "put a foot wrong" originated in horse racing but is now widely used to describe making a mistake or error in a figurative sense. It is a commonly used expression in informal English, and its usage extends beyond the world of horse racing to everyday situations. Alongside related idioms like "stick one's foot in it" and "put foot to ass," these expressions capture the nuances of making mistakes, unintentionally causing trouble, and taking assertive action to address challenges. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you put a foot wrong, just remember that we all make mistakes, and it's how we learn and grow from them that counts.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.