blindsides

Hits without warning

Blindsides is the verb form of blindside, meaning to catch someone off guard or attack from an unexpected direction.

The metaphor comes from the side where vision is blocked—you can't defend against what you don't see coming: The news completely blindsided her.

In football, to blindside a quarterback is to hit from outside peripheral vision.

vulnerability

unsuspecting

Not anticipating danger

unawareLacking knowledge of something
exposedOut in open
defenselessWithout means to resist

off-guard · unprepared · unprotected · oblivious · inattentive · distracted · vulnerable · open · susceptible · flat-footed

tactics

ambush

Surprise strike from concealment

flankSide of body
outmaneuverDefeat through superior tactics
feintDeceptive mock attack

deception · misdirection · stratagem · outflank · guerrilla · trap · lure · decoy · pincer · envelopment

shock

surprise

Unexpected event causing astonishment

stunDaze by force
ambushSurprise strike from concealment
sucker-punchBlow dealt without warning

jolt · startle · whammy · jaw-dropper · broadside · sandbag · bushwhack · stagger · floor · bombshell

football

tackle

Gear or takedown

sackRough fabric bag
hitSuccessful contact or strike
blockSolid mass, or impede

quarterback · linebacker · rush · collision · contact · gridiron · snap · pocket · protection · blitz

Opposites

warning and preparation

blindsidesforewarns

Alerts to coming danger

warns · alerts · prepares · notifies · gives notice

direction of approach

blindsidesfrontal assault

Attack from the front

fairness and transparency

blindsideslevels with

Speaks honestly to

Phrases

blindside hitCollision from outside vision

Family

blindside, blindsided, blindsiding

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG