後ご手てを踏ふむ

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

• 交こう渉しょうで後ご手てを踏ふんでしまい、不ふ利りな条じょう件けんを飲のまされた。

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

• ライバル会社がいしゃに先せんを越こされて、完かん全ぜんに後ご手てを踏ふんだ。

  Our rival company beat us to it, and we ended up completely one step behind.