underfoot; at present; around the time of
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesnoun
underfoot; at one's feet
Literal spatial meaning, describing the area directly beneath one's feet.
Watch your step, there's water on the floor.
The ground under his feet is very soft.
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The light illuminated the path at his feet.
noun
at present; currently; now
dialectDialectal or colloquial usage referring to the current moment in time.
It's the busy farming season now, so we must use labor rationally.
He can't even finish the work at hand right now.
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The current situation is like this; we must figure out a solution.
noun
around the time of; on the approach of
dialectDialectal usage indicating a time period immediately before or during a specific event.
Around the Winter Solstice, the weather is getting colder and colder.
Around the time of the Spring Festival, every household is preparing New Year's goods.
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With exams approaching, the students are all very nervous.