take by surprise — to happen to someone when they do not expect it; to shock or astonish someone unexpectedly
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to happen to someone when they do not expect it; to shock or astonish someone unexpectedly
Pronunciation (IPA): /teɪk baɪ sərˈpraɪz/
Example Sentences
- My cat took me by surprise when it jumped out of the laundry basket wearing my sock as a hat.
- The pop quiz took the students by surprise since the teacher had promised a movie day.
- His proposal took her by surprise - she was expecting him to order pizza, not propose marriage!
take by surprise
NOUN[/teɪk baɪ sərˈpraɪz/]
to happen to someone when they do not expect it; to shock or astonish someone unexpectedly
someone being taken by surprise when they least expected it
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase combines Old English 'tacan' (to grasp or seize) with Old French 'surprendre' (to catch suddenly or seize unawares). Originating in medieval military contexts to describe sudden attacks, the expression evolved into general usage meaning to astonish or catch someone unprepared.
Breakdown
take (Old English tacan, to seize) + by (preposition indicating manner) + surprise (Old French surprendre: sur- (over) + prendre (to take), meaning to capture unexpectedly).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat took me by surprise when it jumped out of the laundry basket wearing my sock as a hat.”
“The pop quiz took the students by surprise since the teacher had promised a movie day.”
“His proposal took her by surprise - she was expecting him to order pizza, not propose marriage!”
“The company's bankruptcy announcement took investors by surprise.”
📚Related Words
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