taken aback
(redirected from am taken aback)
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take (one) aback
To startle, astonish, shock, or disconcert one. It took us all aback a bit to learn that John was moving to England next month. I'm sure the news of the merger takes everyone aback, but please believe me that this is in the best interest of the company.
taken aback
Startled, astonished, shocked, or disconcerted. All of us were a bit taken aback to learn that John was moving to England next month. I must admit that I was taken aback when I heard we weren't receiving our bonuses this year.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
taken aback
Cliché surprised and confused. When Mary told me the news, I was taken aback for a moment. When I told my parents I was married, they were completely taken aback.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
be taken aˈback (by somebody/something)
be shocked or surprised by somebody/something: She was completely taken aback by his anger.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017