World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionaries不意を打つ
Native Script:日本語
Pronunciation / Transliteration: fui o utsu
"そのニュースは彼の不意を打った。"
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To surprise someone by doing something they were not expecting or prepared for.
"The sudden announcement caught the management completely off guard." - 2
To discover someone in a vulnerable or unprepared state.
"The unexpected inspection caught the workers off guard."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the verb 'catch' combined with the nautical and military idiom 'off guard', which originated in the late 17th century from fencing and combat terminology where a combatant was found unready or lacking a defensive posture. Over time, the phrase transitioned into general usage to describe any sudden or unexpected surprise that leaves a person unprepared.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Catch-off-guard"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Catch-off-guard" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
prendre au dépourvu
Transliteration: prãdr o depuʁvy
"Cette question l'a pris au dépourvu."
überrumpeln
Transliteration: ˈyːbɐʁʊmpəln
"Die Nachricht hat ihn völlig überrumpelt."
cogliere di sprovvista
Transliteration: ˈkɔʎʎere di sproˈvvista
"La pioggia improvvisa ci ha coglierci di sprovvista."
pillar desprevenido
Transliteration: piˈʎaɾ despreβeˈnido
"La pregunta me pilló desprevenido."
pegar de surpresa
Transliteration: peˈɡaʁ dʒi suɾˈpɾeza
"A notícia pegou todos de surpresa."
चकित करना
Transliteration: chakit karna
Script: हिंदी देवनागरी
"इस खबर ने उसे चकित कर दिया।"
措手不及
Transliteration: cuò shǒu bù jí
Script: 中文汉字
"突如其来的问题让他措手不及。"
허를 찌르다
Transliteration: heoreul jjireuda
Script: 한국어 한글
"그 질문은 나의 허를 찔렀다."
不意を打つ
Transliteration: fui o utsu
Script: 日本語
"そのニュースは彼の不意を打った。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Japanese termsThe cardinal number equivalent to the sum of ten and three.
A road that circles around a town or city to prevent traffic from entering the center.
Pressed firmly together or made dense by pressure, applied particularly to soil, earth, or granular materials.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Catch-off-guard"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.