blindsider
Catches you unaware
A blindsider is someone or something that catches you off guard—an unexpected blow, a piece of news you didn't see coming, or a person who delivers either.
The term evokes being hit from outside your field of vision: That layoff was a real blindsider.
Less commonly, it refers to a player who makes blindside tackles.
Gear or takedown
- sackRough fabric bag
- hitSuccessful contact or strike
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- linebackerSecond-level defensive position
crackback · penalty · concussion · open-field · gridiron
Person or thing overwhelming
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- bombshellShocking sudden revelation
- thunderboltElectric sky discharge with boom
- whammyCurse or misfortune
curveball · sucker-punch · floored · staggered · reeling · gobsmacked
Blow dealt without warning
- bushwhackSurprise attack from cover
- waylayIntercept to confront
- cheap-shotUnfair verbal or physical strike
- unsuspectedNot imagined to exist
tackle
Gear or takedown
linebacker · crackback · penalty · concussion · open-field · gridiron
stunner
Person or thing overwhelming
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- bombshellShocking sudden revelation
- thunderboltElectric sky discharge with boom
whammy · curveball · sucker-punch · floored · staggered · reeling · gobsmacked
sucker-punch
Blow dealt without warning
- bushwhackSurprise attack from cover
- waylayIntercept to confront
- cheap-shotUnfair verbal or physical strike
unsuspected · caught-off-guard · sideswiped · jumped · pounced
backstabber
Disloyal pretend ally
- double-crosserOne who deceives confederates
- traitorOne who betrays allegiance
- turncoatOne who betrays allegiance
Judas · snake · deceiver · two-faced · saboteur · sellout · informer · disloyal · treacherous · underhanded