揚あげ足あしを取とる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

trip someone up verbally; jump on someone's mistake; find fault with what someone says

Idiomatic expression for seizing on a minor verbal slip or inconsistency to criticize or embarrass someone.

• 彼かれはすぐ人ひとの揚あげ足あしを取とるから、話はなしにくい。

  He's always quick to jump on people's mistakes, so it's hard to talk to him.

• 会かい議ぎで揚あげ足あしを取とられて、何なにも言いえなくなった。

  I got tripped up over a small slip in the meeting and couldn't say anything more.