Take somebody/something by surprise
phrase
To shock or startle someone unexpectedly.
The sudden noise took us all by surprise.
Often appears as...
- caught by surprise
- taken by surprise
phrase
To do something that is not expected.
His decision to resign took everyone by surprise.
Often appears as...
- caught by surprise
- taken by surprise
phrase
To shock or startle someone unexpectedly.
The sudden noise took us all by surprise.
Often appears as...
- caught by surprise
- taken by surprise
phrase
To do something that is not expected.
His decision to resign took everyone by surprise.
Often appears as...
- caught by surprise
- taken by surprise
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
This phrase often conveys a strong emotional reaction to an unexpected event.
Her emotional speech took the audience by surprise.
Pro Tip 2/3Unpredictable Events
Use this phrase when something happens suddenly, without warning and was hard to predict.
The storm took the hikers by surprise.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Contexts
While often used for negative events, it can also be neutral or positive.
The pop quiz took the students by surprise.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
This phrase often conveys a strong emotional reaction to an unexpected event.
Her emotional speech took the audience by surprise.
Pro Tip 2/3Unpredictable Events
Use this phrase when something happens suddenly, without warning and was hard to predict.
The storm took the hikers by surprise.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Contexts
While often used for negative events, it can also be neutral or positive.
The pop quiz took the students by surprise.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
This phrase often conveys a strong emotional reaction to an unexpected event.
Her emotional speech took the audience by surprise.
Pro Tip 2/3Unpredictable Events
Use this phrase when something happens suddenly, without warning and was hard to predict.
The storm took the hikers by surprise.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Contexts
While often used for negative events, it can also be neutral or positive.
The pop quiz took the students by surprise.
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