cut the ground from under one's feet

/kˈʌt ðə ɡɹˈaʊnd fɹɒm ˌʌndə wˈɒnz fˈiːt/

/kˈʌt ðə ɡɹˈaʊnd fɹʌm ˌʌndɚ wˈʌnz fˈiːt/

[phrase]

to cut the ground from under one's feet

[PHRASE]

to do something better or sooner than someone else which will ruin their plans or achievements

to [cut] the ground from under {one's} feet definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "cut the ground from under someone's feet" and when to use it?

The idiom "cut the ground from under someone's feet" is believed to have originated as a military tactic in which an attacking army would dig trenches around a fortified position to isolate and weaken the defenders. In modern usage, the phrase is commonly used in a figurative sense to describe situations where someone's position or advantage is suddenly taken away, leaving them without a foundation to stand on.

Examples

1. The scandal cut the ground from under his feet, and he lost his job and reputation.

2. If they don't adapt to the changing market, the competition will cut the ground from under their feet.

3. The changes in the industry are cutting the ground from under their feet, and they're struggling to adapt.

Nearby words