Catch/take somebody unawares In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "catch/take somebody unawares", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Tonia Thai

2021-06-12 05:06

Catch/take somebody unawares American British phrasal verb

This phrase is often used in the passive form.

To be astonished by the occurrence of sudden situations

At the party last night, I was totally caught unawares when my childhood friend arrived there.

We are taken unawares when witnessing these dramatic developments of this town compared to itself in 2 years ago.

The city authorities caught citizens unawares by ordering social distancing across the city for fear of rising local COVID-19 transmissions.

Catch/take somebody unawares

None

(well) I'll be damned!

An expression of surprise/shock or showing that you refuse to do something

be caught on the wrong foot

To be surprised by some sudden occurrence

throw (one) for a loop

To greatly surprise, shock, or confuse someone

Well, bust my buttons!

An exclamation of shock or surprise

catch a weasel asleep

To astonish a vigilant person

The verb "catch/take" should be conjugated according to its tense.