catch (someone or something) by surprise
1 of 2phrase (1)
1
: to happen to (someone or something) unexpectedly : to surprise (someone or something)
The question caught him by surprise.
2
: to attack, capture, or approach (someone or something) without warning
Photographers caught the couple by surprise as they were leaving a restaurant.
catch unawares/unprepared/by surprise
2 of 2phrase (2)
: to affect (someone) in a sudden, unexpected and surprising way
The new law caught them unawares.
They were caught unprepared by the crisis.
The announcement caught me by surprise
Cite this Entry
“Catch (someone or something) by surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20by%20surprise. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
