take by surprise — ► take by surprise 1) attack or capture unexpectedly. 2) happen unexpectedly to. Main Entry: ↑surprise … English terms dictionary
take by surprise — take (someone) by surprise to do something not expected. His resignation took us all completely by surprise … New idioms dictionary
take by surprise — {v. phr.} 1. To appear in front of someone suddenly or to suddenly discover him before he discovers you; come before (someone) is ready; appear before (someone) unexpectedly. * /The policeman took the burglar by surprise as he opened the window./ … Dictionary of American idioms
take by surprise — {v. phr.} 1. To appear in front of someone suddenly or to suddenly discover him before he discovers you; come before (someone) is ready; appear before (someone) unexpectedly. * /The policeman took the burglar by surprise as he opened the window./ … Dictionary of American idioms
take by surprise — act at an unexpected time … English contemporary dictionary
take by surprise — idi a) to come upon unawares b) to astonish; amaze … From formal English to slang
surprise — [sər prīz′, sə prīz′] vt. surprised, surprising [ME surprysen < OFr surpris, pp. of sorprendre, to surprise, take napping < sur (see SUR 1) + prendre, to take (see PRIZE2)] 1. to come upon suddenly or unexpectedly; take unawares 2. to at … English World dictionary
surprise — [n] something amazing; state of amazement abruptness, amazement, astonishment, astoundment, attack, awe, bewilderment, bombshell*, consternation, curiosity, curveball*, disappointment, disillusion, eye opener*, fortune, godsend*, incredulity,… … New thesaurus
catch/take by surprise — catch/take (someone or something) by surprise 1 : to happen to (someone or something) unexpectedly : to surprise (someone or something) The question caught him by surprise. The organization was taken completely by surprise by the announcement. 2 … Useful english dictionary
surprise — ► NOUN 1) a feeling of mild astonishment or shock caused by something unexpected. 2) an unexpected or astonishing thing. ► VERB 1) cause to feel surprise. 2) capture, attack, or discover suddenly and unexpectedly. ● take by surprise Cf. ↑ … English terms dictionary
