cut the ground from under someone's feet

noun

1. 1. Obsolete the lowest part, base, or bottom of anything
   2. the bottom of a body of water
2. the surface of the earth, specif. the solid surface
3. the soil of the earth; earth; land
4. 1. any particular piece of land; esp., one set aside for a specified purpose: a hunting ground
   2. land surrounding or attached to a house or other building; esp., the lawns, garden, etc. of an estate
5. any particular area of reference, discussion, work, etc.; topic; subject: arguments covering the same ground
6. basis; foundation
7. the logical basis of a conclusion, action, etc.; valid reason, motive, or cause: often used in pl.
8. the background or surface over which other parts are spread or laid, as the main surface of a painting
9. the particles that settle to the bottom of a liquid; dregs; sediment: coffee grounds
10. Elec.
    1. a conducting body (as the earth, or an object connected with the earth) whose potential is taken as zero and to which an electric circuit can be connected
    2. the connection of an electrical conductor with a ground
    3. a device, as a stake, iron pipe, etc., that makes such a connection

Origin: ME grund < OE, ground, bottom, akin to Ger grund, ON grunnr: for IE base see grind

adjective

1. of, on, or near the ground
2. growing or living in or on the ground
3. ☆ Football designating the part of the offensive game plan using running plays

transitive verb

1. to set on, or cause to touch, the ground
2. to cause (a ship, etc.) to run aground
3. to found on a firm basis; establish
4. to base (a claim, argument, etc.) on something specified
5. to instruct (a person) in the elements or first principles of
6. to provide with a background
7. 1. to keep (an aircraft or pilot) from flying
   2. ☆ Informal to punish (a young person, esp. a teenager) by not permitting him or her to leave home to engage in social activity
8. Elec. to connect (an electrical conductor) to a ground
9. ☆ Football to throw or knock (an opposing player) to the ground

intransitive verb

1. to strike the bottom or run ashore: said of a ship
2. ☆ Baseball
   1. to hit a grounder
   2. to be put out on a grounder: usually with out
3. ☆ Football to throw an incomplete pass intentionally, to avoid being sacked