catch/take somebody 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!"

See also: caught, unawares

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