足あし元もとを見みる

expression, ichidan verb

take advantage of someone's weakness; size up a customer to overcharge

Idiomatic expression meaning to exploit someone's vulnerable position, especially in business. Originally from palanquin bearers assessing a traveler's fatigue to raise the fare.

• 彼かれはこちらの急いそいでいるのを見みて、足あし元もとを見みて高たかい料りょう金きんをふっかけてきた。

  Seeing that I was in a hurry, he took advantage of me and charged an exorbitant fee.

• 弱よわっているときに足あし元もとを見みられて、不ふ利りな契けい約やくを結むすばされた。

  When I was in a weak position, they took advantage of me and made me sign an unfavorable contract.