Meaning: This idiom means to start something, especially a relationship or task, in a bad or problematic way, often leading to difficulties or misunderstandings.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “I got off on the wrong foot with my new boss by being late on my first day.”
- “Their relationship got off on the wrong foot because of a misunderstanding during their first meeting.”
- “We got off on the wrong foot with the project due to some initial miscommunications, but we managed to turn things around.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “get off on the wrong foot” is believed to come from the world of sports or the military, where starting off on the wrong foot could disrupt coordination and lead to poor performance. The phrase has been used in English since at least the early 19th century and is commonly applied to various situations where an initial mistake or poor start creates challenges or sets a negative tone. It highlights the importance of making a good first impression or starting off correctly to ensure success or harmony.
