足あしを取とられる

expression, ichidan verb

get tripped up; have one's feet caught

Literal or figurative: one's feet are caught by something (e.g., a rope, mud, uneven ground), causing a stumble or fall. Also used metaphorically for being hindered by an unexpected obstacle.

• 暗くらい道みちで石いしに足あしを取とられて転ころんだ。

  I tripped on a stone on the dark road and fell.

• 彼かれは細こまかい規き則そくに足あしを取とられて仕し事ごとが進すすまない。

  He gets bogged down by petty rules and can't make progress on his work.

expression, ichidan verb

be too drunk to stand; have one's legs give out from drinking

Used when someone is so intoxicated that their legs become unsteady and they cannot walk properly. Often implies a loss of motor control due to alcohol.

• 彼かれは酒さけに足あしを取とられてまっすぐ歩あるけなかった。

  He was so drunk he couldn't walk straight.