be/get off on the wrong foot starting something with negative factors. 带着不利因素开始 有说这个表达来自舞蹈，尤其是正式舞会（比如华尔兹）的，舞伴起舞时必须用正确的脚开始。如果用错脚，整个舞步都会踩乱，很容易踩到别人，影响配合。所以：用错脚起步 → 舞步会乱 → 象征事情或关系从一开始就不顺。 I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with Peter. 我不想一开始和彼得打交道就出师不利。 I have to be well prepared for the game tomorrow. I don't want to get off on the wrong foot. 我必须好好准备明天的比赛。我可不想出师不利。