catch off guard
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- startleFrighten suddenly
- blindsideSurprise with unexpected force
- stunDaze by force
shock · unprepared · jolt · unaware · sucker punch · sneak · pounce · disarm · flinch · gasp · deer in headlights · sudden · unexpected · vulnerable · exposed · defenseless · wrong-footed · trip up
preparedness
catch off guardforewarn
Alert in advance
prepare · give a heads up · alert · ready · tip off
element of surprise
catch off guardcome as no surprise
Occur as anticipated
telegraph · announce · signal · foreshadow · preview