catch someone with their pants down
Definition
The meaning: To catch someone with their pants down is an informal idiom meaning to surprise someone when they are unprepared or in an embarrassing situation.
La signification: L'expression to catch someone with their pants down signifie surprendre quelqu’un au moment où il n’est pas prêt, ou bien dans une situation embarrassante. C’est une tournure familière qui souligne le manque de préparation ou la vulnérabilité d’une personne, souvent au moment où elle aurait dû être prête.
Note: The phrase is often used in humorous or mildly critical contexts and can be visual or figurative depending on the situation.
Word Analysis
French equivalents » Prendre quelqu’un au dépourvu » Surprendre quelqu’un dans une position gênante » Attraper quelqu’un en flagrant délit de non-préparation » Prendre quelqu’un de court A: Le patron est arrivé plus tôt que prévu. B: Et Marc était encore en train de dormir dans son bureau ! Il s’est fait prendre au dépourvu. English synonyms » Catch someone off guard » Take someone by surprise » Catch someone unprepared » Catch someone unawares » Catch someone napping A: The inspector showed up early. B: Wow, she really caught them with their pants down.
Dialogue
Tshepo: "The clients arrived an hour early and the room wasn’t even set up." Mapaseka: "Oh no, we were caught with our pants down! That’s so embarrassing." Tshepo: "I know. The boss was not impressed at all." Mapaseka: "Let’s make sure it never happens again."
Etymology
Origin: The idiom catch someone with their pants down has been in use since at least the mid-20th century in English, evoking a vivid image of being literally caught with trousers down—embarrassed and unprepared. It reflects vulnerability and surprise, and is rooted in colloquial, often humorous speech.
Audience
The phrase catch someone with their pants down is common in conversational English and informal writing. It is especially used in professional or news settings to describe someone unready during a surprise check or situation.
When to use: Use it in casual speech or writing to describe situations where someone is unexpectedly exposed or unprepared. For example: "The company was caught with its pants down during the audit." Avoid using it in very formal or academic contexts due to its slightly humorous or risqué tone.
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge says it means "to ask someone unexpectedly to do or say something that they are not prepared for."
'Nthabiseng was caught with her pants down when she came to the board meeting without having read the brief and the CEO started firing questions at her.'
News Snippet
"The former commissioner of police has been convicted in the highest courts of law for corruption. The current commissioner of police has been suspended on allegations of corruption. Ironically, these two facts simultaneously affirm and contradict the isomorphic adequation of Smith’s fictional world. Yes, it’s very bad in the real world out there. There can be little doubting it. But no, it can’t be quite as bad as Smith makes out, because somehow two commissioners of police have been caught with their pants down, and they’re paying the price. That couldn’t happen in the hyper-evil South Africa that Smith (and perhaps Nicol, too) present to us."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Caught with Your Pants Down"
Caught with your pants down
To be caught off guard or unprepared, especially in an embarrassing situation.
Example: "The company was caught with its pants down when the competitor launched a better product."
Caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
Example: "He was caught red-handed trying to cheat on the test."
Let your guard down
To stop being careful or cautious, often leading to vulnerability.
Example: "The team let their guard down and lost the match in the final minutes."
Blindsided
To be taken by surprise, especially by something unpleasant or unexpected.
Example: "I was completely blindsided by the sudden announcement of layoffs."
On the back foot
A British expression meaning to be at a disadvantage or unprepared.
Example: "They were on the back foot from the beginning of the debate."
Related Slang & Informal Terms
Busted
Caught doing something wrong, often suddenly or without warning.
Example: "He got busted sneaking into the movie without a ticket."
Owned
Slang for being humiliated or defeated, especially when unprepared.
Example: "She totally owned him in the argument—he didn’t stand a chance."
Caught out
A British expression meaning exposed or found to be wrong or unprepared.
Example: "The politician was caught out lying about his qualifications."
Flat-footed
Not ready to act or respond; unprepared.
Example: "The team was caught flat-footed when the other side changed tactics."
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