english
1
general::
Phrase(s): take someone by surprise [and] catch someone by surprise to startle someone; to surprise someone with something unexpected. • Oh! You took me by surprise because I didn’t hear you come in. • Bill caught his mother by surprise by coming to the door and pretending to be selling something.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Encounter unexpectedly, as in The rainshower took us by surprise. [Late 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms
3
general::
Phrase(s): take someone or something by surprise to startle or surprise someone or something. • She bolted into the room and took them by surprise. • I took the little bird by surprise, and it flew away.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs