1.
at one's feet, underfoot
The area or ground immediately around or beneath one's feet.
足元に気をつけてください。
Please watch your step.
Common warning
暗いから足元が見えない。
It's dark, so I can't see where I'm stepping.
猫が足元にすり寄ってきた。
The cat rubbed against my feet.
足元に水たまりがあった。
There was a puddle at my feet.
雨で足元が滑りやすい。
The ground is slippery underfoot because of the rain.
2.
one's footing, footwork
The stability or condition of one's stance.
足元がふらつく。
I'm unsteady on my feet.
酔って足元がおぼつかない。
Being drunk, I'm unsteady on my feet.
足元をしっかり固める。
Secure a firm footing.
足元が定まらない。
My footing is unstable.
ボクサーの足元が軽い。
The boxer has light footwork.
3.
one's weak point
Figuratively, a vulnerability that can be exploited.
足元を見られている。
They're taking advantage of my weakness.
Figurative usage
足元を狙われた。
My weak point was targeted.
彼は足元にも及ばない。
He doesn't hold a candle to them.
タクシーに足元を見られた。
The taxi driver took advantage of my situation.
足元をすくわれないように注意しろ。
Be careful not to be caught off guard.
USAGE: 足元 has both literal and figurative meanings.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 足元に気をつける (to watch one's step)
- 足元がおぼつかない (to be unsteady on one's feet)
- 足元を見る (to exploit someone's weakness)
- 足元にも及ばない (to not hold a candle to; to be far inferior)
WRITING VARIATIONS: Can also be written as 足下.
RELATED:
- 足場 - foothold, scaffold
- 地面 - ground