catching off guard
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- blindsideSurprise with unexpected force
- startleFrighten suddenly
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
unprepared · jolt · stun · unexpected · sneak · pounce · unaware · vulnerable · disarm · flinch · whiplash · bombshell · sucker-punch · curveball · trap · lurch · freeze · thunderstruck
warning/notification
catching off guardforewarning
Notice of future trouble
giving notice · tipping off · telegraphing · foreshadowing · presaging