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take by surprise

take by surprise

 
See:
surprise
part of speech: phrase
definition 1: to come to (someone) as something completely unexpected.
His refusal took me by surprise. I never expected that he would refuse.Their offer took me by surprise. I had no idea they were planning that.
definition 2: to attack or appear in front of (someone or something) in a way that causes surprise and confusion; catch off guard.
The enemy took our unit by surprise and we suffered many casualties.Oh, my goodness! You took me by surprise jumping out like that!