by surprise
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a move that took Westminster by surprise, John Healey, who resigned as Starmer's defence secretary in a row over military spending, has been given the crucial role of chancellor.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Apple’s price hikes caught much of the industry by surprise given their size and scope.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
Hearing about the practice took me by surprise — the farm did what with that milk? — so I asked about it again.
From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026
The SpaceX stock surge of the past few days has taken even some bullish investors by surprise.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026
Books were spread out along the entire length, which took her by surprise.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
