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take by surpriseto 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
💡 Concept

someone being taken by surprise when they least expected it

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/teɪk baɪ sərˈpraɪz/
🇬🇧 UK/teɪk baɪ səˈpraɪz/

🌳Etymology

Roottake by surprise

🎵Rhyme

surprisedisguisecomprise
surprise
disguise
comprise

🔗Collocations

completely take by surprise
take someone by surprise
take the enemy by surprise
be taken by surprise
take everyone by surprise
take by complete surprise

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

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.

😄 Fun example

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

Synonyms

catch off guardshockastonishstartlestun

Antonyms

expectanticipateprepare for

Related

unexpectedsuddenunforeseenspontaneous

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