catch unawares/unprepared/by surprise
idiom
: 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
Dictionary Entries Near catch unawares/unprepared/by surprise
Cite this Entry
“Catch unawares/unprepared/by surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20unawares%2Funprepared%2Fby%20surprise. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share