Get off on the wrong foot meaning in English

Learn how to use Get off on the wrong foot correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy

4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

to get off on the wrong foot (with someone): to begin a relationship badly (with someone) idiom

to get off on the right foot (with someone): to start a relationship well (with someone) idiom

Examples

"I think we got off on the wrong foot."

Exercise 1

Dr. Badguy tells Bruno, "I think we got off on the wrong foot".

Which of the following statements express a similar meaning?

I think I gave you a bad first impression.

I think I am going to change my ways.

I think I have made a very bad mistake.

I think you might have misunderstood me.

I don't know

Dr. Badguy tells Bruno, "I think we got off on the wrong foot".

Which of the following statements express a similar meaning?

I think I gave you a bad first impression.

"To get off on the wrong foot" is to start a relationship in a poor way. In this context, it is close in meaning to the expression "to give (or to make) a bad first impression". Dr. Badguy is saying that his first experience with Bruno (in which he kidnapped one of the Delavigne monkeys) was a bad way to start the relationship.

I think I am going to change my ways.

Dr. Badguy's expression is not a resolution to change his behavior, but rather a reference to the way Bruno and Badguy's relationship began.

I think I have made a very bad mistake.

Dr. Badguy's statement is not an admission or confession of a mistake, but rather a statement about the first impression which was made.

I think you might have misunderstood me.

Dr. Badguy's expression doesn't indicate any misunderstanding or lack of comprehension, but rather he is referring to the way in which his relationship with Bruno began.

Still unsure of the best way to use 'Get off on the wrong foot'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

Victor (Cologne, Germany)

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

Marie (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

Georges (San Francisco, USA)

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

Maya (Paris, France)

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH