take by surprise
Spring upon unexpectedly
To take by surprise is to catch someone unprepared or off guard, often with startling effect.
The surprise may be pleasant The proposal took her completely by surprise or threatening Enemy forces took the garrison by surprise at dawn.
The phrase emphasizes the lack of warning or expectation.
- ambuscadeConcealed attack position
- astonishShock with wonder
- blindsideSurprise with unexpected force
- not know what hit oneSuddenly overwhelmed without preparation
- stupefyOverwhelm with astonishment
catch off guard · come out of nowhere · out of the blue · amaze · throw for a loop · unsettle · happen across · plot twist · bushwhack · flabbergast · bewilder · startle · misdirect · shock · drop a bombshell · jump out · jump scare · fluster
communication/disclosure
take by surpriseannounce
State something officially
disclose · lay one's cards on the table · declare · make known · inform
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, takeover, mistake, mistaken