underfoot

• There was no morality in killing people—a peasant's genes were as valuable to the species as a president's—merely expediency He dropped his cigarette and crushed it underfoot, the expression on his face showing his irritation as he stared after the woman. —  Disordered Minds
• For decades-long before Hamas came to power-the Palestinians have seen their dignity trodden underfoot, their legitimate rights denied. —  Clipmarks | Live Clips
• Children are often underfoot, and my studio is full of distracting clutter (at the moment: a gamelan, Greek shadow puppets, an orange NehiTM bottle, two clandestine photos of Duchamp's Etant donnés, a number of kids 'drawings and the watchful eye of St. Martin de Porres). —  Renewable Music
• Between juggling work, home, a tough economy and hungry kids underfoot -- what's a parent to do? —  Winnipeg Sun
• But "Lost" has a history of yanking the narrative rug from underfoot, and its storytelling tricks are its saving grace. —  LOST // the unofficial fansite for the abc series

Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms