Colloquial English 01-06
Caught flat-footed
Mia: Did you finish the report?
Owen: What report?
Mia: The one due today!
Owen: Oh no, I was totally caught flat-footed. I didn’t even know about it.
to be surprised by something and not ready to deal with it
1) A journalist asked the CEO of a big company an unexpected question about a recent scandal live on TV. The CEO goes silent, starts sweating and stutters. Was he caught flat-footed? Yes, he was. He had no idea the question was coming and had absolutely no answer ready. 2) A tennis player has been studying her opponent's game for weeks. When the match begins, she anticipates (sees in advance) every shot and moves perfectly into position. Is she caught flat-footed? No, she isn't. She is fully prepared.
Let the cat out of the bag
Ryan: So… Guess who's getting a surprise party this weekend?
Zoe: Ryan! You just let the cat out of the bag!
Ryan: Oh no… Pretend you didn’t hear that!
reveal a secret by accident
Ryan accidentally let the cat out of the bag when he revealed a secret — he told Zoe there would be a surprise party for her. It’s no longer a surprise! When he realizes his mistake, he panics and says, “Pretend you didn’t hear that!” — meaning, act like you never heard what I just told you.