後ご手てに回まわる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be forestalled; fall behind; be one step behind

Describes a situation where someone acts too late and ends up in a disadvantageous position, often because the opponent or circumstances moved first.

• 交こう渉しょうで後ご手てに回まわってしまい、不ふ利りな条じょう件けんを飲のまされた。

  We fell behind in the negotiations and were forced to accept unfavorable terms.

• 彼かれはいつも準じゅん備びが遅おそくて、仕し事ごとで後ご手てに回まわることが多おおい。

  He is always slow to prepare and often ends up one step behind at work.