THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Get off on the wrong foot
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To make an unsuccessful or awkward start to something, especially a relationship.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I do not want to get off on the wrong foot with the new team by ignoring their usual process.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I do not want to ________ with the new team by ignoring their usual process.
Show the answer
Get off on the wrong foot — To make an unsuccessful or awkward start to something, especially a relationship.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Get off on the wrong foot” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To make an unsuccessful or awkward start to something, especially a relationship.
Compare: I do not want to get off on the wrong foot with the new team by ignoring their usual process.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression when describing a poor beginning that may still be improved. It can help acknowledge an early misunderstanding without treating it as permanent.
More examples in context
- We got off on the wrong foot because I misunderstood the meeting time.
- Although the project got off on the wrong foot, the later sessions went well.
Usage note
The past form is got off on the wrong foot. Get off on the right foot expresses a successful start. A bad beginning does not necessarily predict how the whole relationship or activity will turn out.
A short conversation
A: I think my first message sounded abrupt.
B: Perhaps you got off on the wrong foot.
A: I will explain what I meant and apologise for the tone.
One more practice question
Which situation shows getting off on the wrong foot?
A. A first meeting goes badly because of an early misunderstanding.
B. Every meeting begins smoothly with clear agreement.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes an unsuccessful beginning, which may later be repaired.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.