blindside

American  

[blahynd-sahyd] / ˈblaɪndˌsaɪd /

verb (used with object)

blindsided, blindsiding

1. Sports. to tackle, hit, or attack (an opponent) from the blind side.

   The quarterback was blindsided and had the ball knocked out of his hand.

2. to attack critically where a person is vulnerable, uninformed, etc..

   The president was blindsided by the press on the latest tax bill.

---

Etymology

Origin of blindside

First recorded in 1970–75; verb use of noun phrase blind side

Example Sentences

Some local governments say they have been blindsided by the new plans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Part of the problem, though, can be feeling blindsided by the hidden costs of leisure activities.

From MarketWatch

Smith said investors were blindsided by Powell’s claim that he plans to remain at the Fed until a federal investigation into repairs of the central bank’s headquarters has been completely put to rest.

From MarketWatch

But in December, the foundation staff were blindsided when they were told it was shutting down, according to people who worked with it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors and builders were blindsided by the move and say it would effectively dismantle the single-family rental business for large companies and real-estate investment trusts—and lead to higher housing costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bump
• concussion
• impact
• jab
• jolt
• kick
• punch
• shock
• slap
• stroke
• uppercut