be taken aback — to be shocked or surprised by something unexpected
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be shocked or surprised by something unexpected
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/
Example Sentences
- She was taken aback when her cat started doing yoga poses.
- The CEO was taken aback by the employee's creative but bizarre presentation.
- I was taken aback by the sudden change in his attitude.
be taken aback
NOUN[/bi ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/]
to be shocked or surprised by something unexpected
She was taken aback when her quiet coworker suddenly proposed at the office party.
Taken aback by an attack on the peaceful track!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from nautical terminology, specifically from sailing practices. When a sudden shift in wind direction would force a ship's sails backward, causing the vessel to move in reverse, sailors described this unexpected and disorienting situation as being 'taken aback.' The phrase later extended metaphorically to mean being caught off guard or suddenly disconcerted.
Breakdown
take (to seize or be affected by) + aback (toward the rear or backward). The adverbial 'aback' derives from Old English 'on bæc' (toward the back), originally describing the physical positioning of sails when caught by opposing wind.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“She was taken aback when her cat started doing yoga poses.”
“The CEO was taken aback by the employee's creative but bizarre presentation.”
“I was taken aback by the sudden change in his attitude.”
“Many investors were taken aback by the company's unexpected announcement.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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