Weaker footing

Question

"The U.S. economy started the new year on weaker footing as recession-shocked Americans retrenched further, forcing retailers to ring up fewer sales and factories to cut back production."

1. What does 'weaker footing' mean? Is it common usage?
2. Do you native speakers use 'stronger footing' to mean the opposite?

Thanks

retrench v. If governments, companies, etc. retrench, they start spending less money, or reducing costs:
The company had to retrench because of falling orders.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

"The U.S. economy started the new year on weaker footing as recession-shocked Americans retrenched further, forcing retailers to ring up fewer sales and factories to cut back production."

1. What does 'weaker footing' mean? A weaker basis. The phrase usually has an indefinite article, ie on a weaker footing.
Is it common usage? Yes.
2. Do you native speakers use 'stronger footing' to mean the opposite? Yes.

Thanks

retrench v. If governments, companies, etc. retrench, they start spending less money, or reducing costs: Correct
The company had to retrench because of falling orders.

Best wishes, Clive

Avangi · Answer

Footing = foundation. It's very common. "Footing" is often used to describe the poured concrete underpinning on which a wall or other support structure is to be built.

"Stronger footing" and "weaker footing" are equally common figurative expressions.

Weaker footing

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