Take by surprise Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /ˈbaɪ/ /səˈpɹaɪz/, /sɝˈpɹaɪz
TAYK BY suh-PRYZ or ser-PRYZ
tˈeɪk/ /bˈaɪ/ /səpɹˈaɪz
TAYK BY suh-PRYZ
Definition
To do something unexpectedly so that someone is shocked or unprepared. Often used when someone is caught off guard by an event or action.
Usage & Nuances
This is a neutral and common expression used in both formal and informal situations. Frequently appears as 'be taken by surprise' (passive). Common with actions, events, or sudden news.
Spanish: sorprender - tomar por sorpresaPortuguese (BR): pegar de surpresa - surpreenderPortuguese (PT): apanhar de surpresa - surpreenderChinese (Simplified): 让...感到惊讶 - 出其不意地Chinese (Traditional): 讓...感到驚訝 - 出其不意地Hindi: चौंका देना - अचकचा देनाArabic: يفاجئ - يأخذ على حين غرةBengali: অপ্রস্তুত করা - আশ্চর্য করে ফেলাRussian: застать врасплох - удивитьJapanese: 驚かせる - 不意を突くVietnamese: làm ai đó bất ngờ - khiến ai đó bị độngKorean: 놀라게 하다 - 불시에 당황하게 하다Turkish: şaşırtmak - gafil avlamakUrdu: حیران کر دینا - اچانک پکڑ لیناIndonesian: membuat terkejut - mengejutkan
Example Sentences
The loud noise took me by surprise.
basic
Her sudden visit took us by surprise.
basic
The rainstorm took them by surprise during their walk.
basic
You really took me by surprise with that birthday party.
natural
The team's early goal took their opponents by surprise.
natural
I was taken by surprise when she knew all the answers.
natural