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.

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

The nature of the camera in Meta's glasses can be so unobtrusive that even their wearers have been caught off guard by what and when they're recording, and where those recordings are going.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Years before that, the Lego Group was caught off guard by Polish artist Zbigniew Libera’s 1996 installation, “LEGO Concentration Camp.”

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

Though Díaz was caught off guard by Cohen’s comments, he said Saturday he had no bad feelings towards the Mets or their fans.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

And each time he saw again the look on the man’s face—first the glimmer of recognition, then, caught off guard, the other thing, the ripple—he felt a queasiness in his gut.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson