on the back foot

The result is, as one Western diplomat puts it, "a government in full conciliation mode" , firmly on the back foot.

Milan had the home side on the back foot from the opening whistle and Kaladze went close with an acrobatic overhead kick following a corner.

Having been caught on the back foot at first, it now appears that the White House is ready for a counter-attack.

ll give the ball away and find yourself on the back foot more often than not which is exactly how it should be.

IMS said recent safety issues involving tainted heparin made with ingredients from China had put the country "on the back foot" .

In particular, says Mr Wright, a ban on guaranteed bonuses for more than one year will put European employers on the back foot.

The firmer risk backdrop has put the USD on the back foot, with the USD index dropping sharply overnight.

The arrival of smart books could put Intel and Microsoft, the dominant hardware and software players, on the back foot.

"If you arrive flustered and have to apologise, you won't inspire confidence in those you're meeting and you start on the back foot. "

Freedom House may well be right that democracy is on the back foot right now. In the longer run, its appeal is undiminished .

However, there are signs increased competition is starting to pressure margins and put some firms on the back foot.

If your baseline player also shift his weight on the back foot, predict a lob.

He got them on the back foot and his pace was frightening.

Mr Abe's prescient summitry has gained him much respect in the region and at home, but China has been caught on the back foot.

Staunch defenders of free markets are on the back foot.

Renault are now second in the constructors' championsh ip to Ferrari. Would you say the team is on the back foot?