take by surprise

“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.”

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

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.

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.

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