caught off guard
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.
Certain White House officials were caught off guard, unaware the health department aimed to unveil it, a person familiar with the matter said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
Two sources familiar with the matter said some in the coalition were caught off guard by the speed with which Bonta’s “tone” changed and the deal was reached.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026
But many cases come down to small oversights — and the people caught off guard are often the ones who thought they had it taken care of.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
Investors were caught off guard by the yield surge, which suggests that the market had become a little complacent about inflation despite hot consumer and wholesale price readings this week.
From Barron's ● May 15, 2026
So when the teacher called on her to name the capitals of Romania and Cuba, Laila was caught off guard.
From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini
