the shoe is on the other foot
The roles of people in a situation have been reversed, such that the advantage has shifted to a party which was previously disadvantaged.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Now that I am the boss, the shoe is on the other foot.”
“He used to ignore my emails, but now that he needs my help, the shoe is on the other foot.”
“After years of being the one who had to ask for favors, she found it quite satisfying to realize the shoe was on the other foot.”
- 01
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 02
as ever trod shoe-leather
As ever existed or lived.
- 03
beat feet
To run.
- 04
drag one's feet
To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.
- 05
feet first
In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).
- 06
feet of clay
In someone apparently strong and without failings, a hidden weakness which could lead to downfall.
- 07
find one's feet
To grow in confidence in a new situation as one gains experience.
- 08
foot the bill
To pay for something.
Last updated August 10, 2026