flat-footed

flat-footed  {adj.},  {informal}
1. Straightforward; forthright; direct; outright.
The governor issued a flat-footed denial of the accusation.
He came out flat-footed against the idea.
2. Not ready; not prepared; — usually used with "catch".
The teacher's question caught Tim flat-footed.
Unexpected company at lunch time caught Mrs. Green flat-footed.
Categories: adjective informal time