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
🎵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.”
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Synonyms
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