take somebody by surprise

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

▪ I. take sb by surˈprise idiom
to happen unexpectedly so that sb is slightly shocked; to surprise sb
•His frankness took her by surprise.
Main entry: ↑surprise_idiom
 
▪ II. take sb/sth by surˈprise idiom
to attack or capture sb/sth unexpectedly or without warning
•The police took the burglars by surprise.
Main entry: ↑surprise_idiom