Proverb / Kotowaza
足元をすくわれる
To be tripped up or taken advantage of by unfair means when one is off guard.
to have one's feet swept from under them
Quick Answer
To be tripped up or taken advantage of by unfair means when one is off guard.
- Literal Image
- to have one's feet swept from under them
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a situation where someone experiences a sudden defeat or a mistake is exposed because they were inattentive or underestimated an opponent.
Meaning
This expression describes being caught in a moment of carelessness and having an opponent take advantage of you through clever or unfair tactics. It implies a sudden failure or setback that occurs because you were not paying sufficient attention or were overconfident. The metaphor comes from the physical act of tripping someone by lifting their legs.
Literal Image
to have one's feet swept from under them
How to Use It
Used to describe a situation where someone experiences a sudden defeat or a mistake is exposed because they were inattentive or underestimated an opponent.
Tone
Cautionary; can be used to warn against overconfidence or to explain a sudden setback.
Examples
格下の相手だと思って油断していたら、足元をすくわれた。
I was caught off guard thinking they were a lower-ranked opponent, and I had the rug pulled out from under me.
Describes a failure due to underestimating an opponent.
勝ち進んでいる時こそ、足元をすくわれないよう注意が必要だ。
It is precisely when you are winning that you need to be careful not to be tripped up.
A warning about maintaining vigilance during success.
足元をすくわれるような不祥事が発覚した。
A scandal was uncovered that threatened to pull the rug out from under us.
Used to describe a vulnerability that leads to a major setback.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses body-part vocabulary combined with a passive verb form. The idiomatic meaning is specific and requires understanding the metaphor of physical tripping.
足元
あしもと / ashimoto
at one's feet; immediate surroundings
すくわれる
すくわれる / sukuwareru
to be scooped; to be swept (passive)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Note that it specifically implies a sudden setback due to another's action or one's own negligence.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with simply 'failing'; it specifically implies being caught off guard or being 'tripped' by an external factor or person.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
Derived from the physical action of lifting a standing person's legs to make them fall over.
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Source Note
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