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.

I expect to take by surprise a newly-married pair in their honeymoon, and I find a state of things here which I should never have supposed possible.

From Success and How He Won It by Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers)

One day he will suddenly start off to take by surprise the garrisons of Potsdam and of Rinfueld; he gives the order for boots and saddles, which naturally leads to innumerable accidents.

From The Schemes of the Kaiser by Adam, Juliette

He would have opened the door suddenly in that case, hoping to take by surprise whosoever of the clan were guarding Linda.

From The Strength of the Pines by Marshall, Edison

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 Treasure of Kings Being the Story of the Discovery of the \"Big Fish,\" or the Quest of the Greater Treasure of the Incas of Peru. by Gilson, Charles

Mr. Elster walked slowly through the village on his way to Hartledon, whose inmates he would presently take by surprise.

From Elster's Folly by Wood, Henry, Mrs.