pleasant surprise
Unexpectedly good news
A pleasant surprise is something unexpected that brings happiness or delight.
The phrase emphasizes that the surprise is welcome rather than alarming: Running into my old roommate at the airport was a pleasant surprise.
Often used to acknowledge that expectations were exceeded: The restaurant was a pleasant surprise—much better than the reviews suggested.
- delightIntense pleasure or satisfaction
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- out of nowhereWithout apparent origin
- joyIntense positive emotion
- happy accidentUnintended but beneficial event
astonishment · jaw drop · gift · too kind · windfall · lucky break · serendipity · treat · bonus · above and beyond · revelation · gasp · wide-eyed · grin · heartwarming · thrill · stunned · overwhelmed
- Unexpected benefitssilver lining, bonus, perk, windfall, lucky break
- benefitsadvantage, healthcare coverage, dental insurance, benefit, health screening
pleasant surpriserude awakening
Startling unpleasant realization
bad news · shock · bombshell · gut punch · slap in the face
pleasant surpriseforegone conclusion
Result assumed beforehand
inevitability · certainty · the usual · routine · anticlimax
pleasant, surprise, please, pleased, pleasing, pleasantly, unpleasant, pleasure, pleasurable