caught-off-guard
Not expecting that
Caught off guard means surprised or unprepared when something unexpected happens.
The phrase comes from combat and fencing, where dropping your guard leaves you vulnerable to attack.
Someone caught off guard didn't see something coming: The question caught me off guard, We were caught off guard by the announcement.
Often hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun: a caught-off-guard expression.
Abruptly surprised or alarmed
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
- ambushedAttacked from concealment
- shockedDeeply startled or appalled
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
stunned · floored · jolted · astonished · bowled-over · gobsmacked · dumbfounded · flabbergasted
Without means to resist
- exposedOut in open
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- openNot closed
- susceptibleEasily influenced or harmed
unshielded · unprepared · disarmed · compromised · blindsided · helpless · off-balance · flat-footed
Occurring without prior notice
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
- abruptSharp and unexpected
impromptu · curveball · left-field · untimely · inopportune · ill-timed · premature · early
startled
Abruptly surprised or alarmed
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
- ambushedAttacked from concealment
- shockedDeeply startled or appalled
unprepared · stunned · floored · jolted · astonished · bowled-over · gobsmacked · dumbfounded · flabbergasted · speechless
defenseless
Without means to resist
- exposedOut in open
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- openNot closed
susceptible · unshielded · unprepared · disarmed · compromised · blindsided · helpless · off-balance · flat-footed · ill-equipped
sudden
Occurring without prior notice
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
abrupt · impromptu · curveball · left-field · untimely · inopportune · ill-timed · premature · early · unannounced
caught-off-guardprepared
Made ready beforehand
ready · primed · braced · forewarned · armed
caught-off-guardexpecting
Awaiting a predicted outcome
anticipating · unsurprised · forewarned · prescient · aware
caught, guard, catcher, catchy, uncaught, guards, guarded, guarding, guardian