take (someone or something) by surprise
idiom
1
: to happen to (someone or something) unexpectedly : to surprise (someone or something)
Her reaction took me by surprise.
The organization was taken completely by surprise by the announcement.
2
: to attack, capture, or approach (someone or something) without warning
The troops gained an upper hand in the battle by taking their foes by surprise.
Dictionary Entries Near take (someone or something) by surprise
take (someone) in/into one's arms
take (someone or something) by surprise
Cite this Entry
“Take (someone or something) by surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20by%20surprise. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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