be taken by surprise

be taken by surprise

Idiom: be taken by surprise

Meaning

To be happened upon when one is not ready, prepared, or on no surprise when you showed up at my office this afternoon for lunch. I wish you would have called ahead!

Happen when someone is not prepared or is expecting something different.

Examples

The enemy encampment was taken by surprise when our troops descended upon them just before daybreak.

I was taken completely by surprise when you showed up at my office this afternoon for lunch.

The organization was taken completely by surprise by the announcement.

Whenever it snows in Britain we are taken by surprise. 

Police outnumbered the protesters, but appeared to be taken by surprise.

Its goal is to ensure that the country will not be taken by surprise again.

Origin

Synonyms

FAQs

What does the idiom ‘be taken by surprise’ mean?

To be happened upon when one is not ready, prepared, or on no surprise when you showed up at my office this afternoon for lunch. I wish you would have called ahead!

How do you use ‘be taken by surprise’ in a sentence?

The enemy encampment was taken by surprise when our troops descended upon them just before daybreak.

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