Catch somebody with their pants down
phrase
To surprise or embarrass someone by discovering them in a vulnerable or compromising position.
The scandal caught the politician with his pants down.
Often appears as...
- caught in the act
- caught off guard
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To surprise or embarrass someone by discovering them in a vulnerable or compromising position.
The scandal caught the politician with his pants down.
Often appears as...
- caught in the act
- caught off guard
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Vulnerability Emphasis
Emphasizes that someone was unprepared and vulnerable to unexpected problems or revelations.
The sudden inspection caught the staff with their pants down.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorically Speaking
The phrase is used figuratively, not literally; it's about being caught unprepared, not without pants.
His sudden question about finances caught me with my pants down.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Nature
Remember it's an idiom; it won't make sense to someone if translated word-for-word into another language.
To a non-English speaker, 'caught with their pants down' was a confusing phrase.
Never forget "Catch somebody with their pants down"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension