The phrase "on the front foot" is often used to describe someone who is confident, proactive, and assertive. However, there are several antonyms to this phrase that express the opposite sentiment, such as on the back foot, defensive, unprepared, stagnant, and passive. When someone is on the back foot, they are often playing defense and feeling insecure. When someone is defensive, they are cautious and apprehensive about their actions. When someone is unprepared, they are not equipped to handle a situation. When someone is stagnant, they lack energy or enthusiasm. When someone is passive, they are not assertive and tend to go with the flow instead of taking charge.