catch (one) by surprise
(redirected from catch (someone) by surprise)catch (one) by surprise
To startle, amaze, or come upon one unawares. That car coming around the corner caught me by surprise. She was caught completely by surprise with the amount of donations she received. Don't let hidden bank fees catch you by surprise.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.