unexpected interruption

Jarring break mid-flow

An unexpected interruption is a break in activity that catches you off guard—something that disrupts what you're doing without warning.

The phrase emphasizes the jarring quality: you weren't prepared for it.

An unexpected interruption derailed the meeting.

She handled the unexpected interruption gracefully.

Related

break · sudden · out of nowhere · jarring · record scratch · derailed · train of thought · barge · cutoff · startle · rude awakening · phone · dropped call · doorbell · crash · halt · pause · detour

Opposites
continuity/flow

unexpected interruptionseamless flow

steady stream

continuity

unexpected interruptionsteady state

Unchanging system condition

Family

unexpected, interruption, expect, expected, unexpectedly, expectation, expectations, expectant, expectantly

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G