take 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.

“Being a unique superpower,” he wrote, “undermines the military intelligence of strategy. To think strategically, one has to imagine oneself in the enemy’s place. If one cannot do this, it is impossible to foresee, to take by surprise, to outflank. Misinterpreting an enemy can lead to defeat. This is how empires fall.”

From New York Times

The decision appeared to take by surprise games organizers, who have tried to portray the regional Olympic-style event as a showcase of diversity.

From Time

Be set down for a fool, a lazy rascal and a fop, and it is easy enough to take by surprise those who think they have the whip-hand of you.

From Project Gutenberg

She was taken by surprise, as was intended, but she was a woman whom it was not wise to take by surprise, if you wanted her to show you what was in her mind.

From Project Gutenberg

The Buccaneers next landed 100 men, hoping to take by surprise the city of La Serena.

From Project Gutenberg