expect the unexpected
Prepare for anything
To expect the unexpected is to prepare mentally for surprises or unlikely outcomes.
The phrase is paradoxical—truly unexpected events are by definition unanticipated—but it advises staying alert and adaptable rather than rigidly assuming things will go as planned: In this job, you learn to expect the unexpected.
- come as no surpriseOccur as anticipated
- take by surpriseAttack without warning
- out of left fieldWholly unanticipated and startling
- curve ballPitch with spin-induced arc
- anticipationState of awaiting something
ambiguity · readiness · creativity · randomness · paradox · black swan · unpredictability · improvisation · vigilance · intuition · surprise · anomaly · wild card · open-mindedness · adaptability · think on your feet · problem-solving · serendipity
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
expect the unexpectedcomplacency
Uncritical satisfaction with oneself
let one's guard down · asleep at the wheel · head in the sand · rest on one's laurels · blind faith
expect the unexpectedsame old same old
Wearisome repetition of routine
predictability · creature of habit · by the book · autopilot · going through the motions
expect the unexpectedlet one's guard down
Cease being defensive
overconfidence · hubris · fly blind · wing it · tempt fate
expect, unexpected, expectation, expectations, expectancy, expectant, expectantly, expected, expecting