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