by surprise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Anderson's road back to the professional level took him by surprise.

From BBC

"It's kind of taken the government by surprise, and so that's why they started this clampdown," he told AFP.

From Barron's

The announcement took the markets by surprise, sending US companies in the defense sector -- such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics -- more than four percent lower.

From Barron's

The STC said it had been "taken by surprise" by the coalition air strikes in al-Dahle, describing them as an "unfortunate escalation that is inconsistent with the declared climate of dialogue".

From BBC

No matter how many times I’ve driven these streets this past year, I am still taken by surprise.

From Los Angeles Times