off-guard
Caught by surprise
Off-guard describes a state of unpreparedness or inattention, usually in the phrase catch someone off-guard or caught off-guard.
To be caught off-guard is to be surprised by something you weren't ready for: The question caught her completely off-guard.
The hyphenated form functions as an adjective; without the hyphen, off guard works the same way.
Not yet prepared
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
- unwaryWithout due caution
- flat-footedHaving no arch
- nappingSleeping briefly, often midday
asleep · oblivious · unaware · distracted · inattentive · heedless · careless · negligent
Seized or grabbed
- startledAbruptly surprised or alarmed
- ambushedAttacked from concealment
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
- bushwhackedAttacked from concealment
jumped · shocked · stunned · jolted · waylaid · pounced · sprung · trapped
Out in open
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- undefendedLacking protective measures
- openNot closed
susceptible · unshielded · helpless · weakened · compromised · assailable · penetrable · at-risk
unready
Not yet prepared
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
- unwaryWithout due caution
- flat-footedHaving no arch
napping · asleep · oblivious · unaware · distracted · inattentive · heedless · careless · negligent · complacent
caught
Seized or grabbed
- startledAbruptly surprised or alarmed
- ambushedAttacked from concealment
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
bushwhacked · jumped · shocked · stunned · jolted · waylaid · pounced · sprung · trapped · sideswiped
exposed
Out in open
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- undefendedLacking protective measures
open · susceptible · unshielded · helpless · weakened · compromised · assailable · penetrable · at-risk · endangered
unwound
Released from coils
- at-easeRelaxed military stance
- loosenedMade less tight
- comfortablePhysically at ease
casual · mellow · laid-back · chilled · calm · settled · unsuspicious · trusting · carefree · unworried
- Surprise reactionsshock, gasp, startle, flinch, jump
- Guard Positionsen garde, prime, octave, fighting stance, defensive stance