unawares

caught unawares

To be surprised by someone or something. A: "Oh man, I was totally caught unawares when your mother showed up here this morning." B: "I figured as much when she told me that you answered the door in your robe and curlers!" The thieves were promptly put into police custody after being caught unawares by the security guard. Make sure you have all the information and know all the key talking points. You don't want to be caught unawares by the interviewer.

See also: caught, unawares

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

catch/take somebody unaˈwares

surprise somebody; do something when somebody does not expect it: Her sudden refusal took me unawares. ♢ You caught us unawares by coming so early.

See also: catch, somebody, take, unawares

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