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

Though Díaz was caught off guard by Cohen’s comments, he said Saturday he had no bad feelings towards the Mets or their fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Paying attention to Munich helps prevent geopolitical events from catching investors off guard.

From The Wall Street Journal

A year later, the sudden announcement to close the center for renovations caught nearly everyone off guard.

From The Wall Street Journal

The following month, federal immigration agents escalated their operations at Home Depots — including using a Penske rental truck as a “Trojan Horse” in L.A. to catch immigrant workers off guard.

From Los Angeles Times

The snap vote has caught the ruling party, the opposition and much of the electorate off guard.

From BBC