blind-side
Strike without warning
To blind-side someone is to hit or attack them from an angle they can't see coming—originally from football, where a quarterback gets tackled from outside their field of vision.
The meaning extends to any unexpected blow, physical or figurative: The news of the layoffs blind-sided everyone.
Also spelled as one word: blindside.
Intentional focus manipulation
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- deceiveCause false belief
mislead · trick · outmaneuver · flank · diversion · subterfuge · guile · ploy
Unexpected event causing astonishment
- caught off guardSurprised when unprepared
- sucker punchUnanticipated strike without warning
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
stun · broadside · sandbagged · sideswiped · wallop · whammy · jolt · bushwhack
Out in open
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- unguardedWithout protection or caution
- openNot closed
susceptible · unsuspecting · unaware · oblivious · helpless · off guard · distracted · inattentive
Gear or takedown
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- sackRough fabric bag
- quarterbackPassing position in football
- offensive lineFootball's protective forward squad
protection · rush · defender · hit · impact · collision · left tackle · pass rusher
misdirection
Intentional focus manipulation
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
deceive · mislead · trick · outmaneuver · flank · diversion · subterfuge · guile · ploy · cunning
surprise
Unexpected event causing astonishment
- caught off guardSurprised when unprepared
- sucker punchUnanticipated strike without warning
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
shock · stun · broadside · sandbagged · sideswiped · wallop · whammy · jolt · bushwhack · sneak attack
exposed
Out in open
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- unguardedWithout protection or caution
open · susceptible · unsuspecting · unaware · oblivious · helpless · off guard · distracted · inattentive · unshielded
tackle
Gear or takedown
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- sackRough fabric bag
- quarterbackPassing position in football
offensive line · protection · rush · defender · hit · impact · collision · left tackle · pass rusher · edge