expression, godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
be forestalled; fall behind; be one step behind
Idiomatic expression meaning to be outmaneuvered or to act too late, often in competitive or strategic contexts. Similar to 後手に回る.
See also: 後手に回る
交渉で後手を踏んでしまい、不利な条件を飲まされた。
We were forestalled in the negotiations and forced to accept unfavorable terms.
ライバル会社に先を越されて、完全に後手を踏んだ。
Our rival company beat us to it, and we ended up completely one step behind.