by surprise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The focus on spending seemed to catch investors by surprise in the latest quarter.

From Barron's

The death of Paul Reubens in 2023 took people by surprise, including the director trying to make a documentary about the man better known as Pee-wee Herman.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dominic Adamu, whose daughters attend the school but were not taken, told the BBC: "Everybody is weak... It took everybody by surprise."

From BBC

That Jesso has a record to sell at all might take some by surprise.

From Los Angeles Times

Dominic Adamu, whose daughters attend the school but were not taken, told the BBC: "Everybody is weak... it took everybody by surprise."

From BBC