off guard

Idioms  

1. Also, off one's guard. Not watchful, easily surprised. It is often put as catch (or be caught) off guard, meaning “take (or be taken) by surprise.” For example, The securities analyst was caught off guard by that financial report, or With any luck the boss will be off guard when I come in late. [Late 1600s] The antonym, on guard or on one's guard, meaning “watchful or prepared, especially to defend oneself,” was first recorded in 1577. For example, In this crowd we must be on guard against pickpockets, or I'm always on my guard when I'm asked how I voted.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

off guard

The move shocked staff, rattled investors and even caught off guard some close to Masino, according to people familiar with the discussions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

"We will neither be caught off guard nor remain passive," he added.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

After the Fed’s meeting last week, markets were caught off guard by the dramatic shift among central-bank officials toward potentially supporting higher rates this year.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026

Even so, the outrage seemed to catch everyone off guard.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

The whole point of the game was to make the other person laugh so hard that water comes spurting out of her mouth, like in movies when someone’s caught off guard.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles