expression, godan verb (-ru)
trip someone up verbally; jump on someone's mistake; find fault with what someone says
Idiomatic expression for seizing on a minor verbal slip or inconsistency to criticize or embarrass someone.
彼はすぐ人の揚げ足を取るから、話しにくい。
He's always quick to jump on people's mistakes, so it's hard to talk to him.
会議で揚げ足を取られて、何も言えなくなった。
I got tripped up over a small slip in the meeting and couldn't say anything more.