발등에 불이 떨어졌어요 · 발등에 불이 떨어져서 · 발등에 불 떨어진 사람
to be under pressing pressure, to have a deadline looming (lit. fire falls on the top of one's foot)
Example
시험이 내일이라 발등에 불이 떨어졌어요.
The exam is tomorrow, so I'm in a real rush now.
Word parts
A burning ember lands right on your foot: the trouble is on you and can't be ignored any longer.
Good to know
Pronounced [발뜽에 부리 떠러지다]. Everyday and casual; typical for deadlines, exams and last-minute panic.