take 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.

He then prepared for a bold and sudden movement, which should take by surprise one flank of our army.

From Three Years in the Sixth Corps A Concise Narrative of Events in the Army of the Potomac, from 1861 to the Close of the Rebellion, April, 1865 by Stevens, George T.

Finally the rebels retreated, and Michelson discovered that his opponents meant to take by surprise the Fort of Ufa.

From Stories by Foreign Authors: Polish, Greek, Belgian, Hungarian by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

It could now be seen that those who handled the oars were trying to make less noise, as though desirous of not arousing the sleepers they expected to take by surprise.

From Motor Boat Boys Mississippi Cruise or, The Dash for Dixie by Arundel, Louis

Mr. Elster walked slowly through the village on his way to Hartledon, whose inmates he would presently take by surprise.

From Elster's Folly by Wood, Henry, Mrs.

Be set down for a fool, a lazy rascal and a fop, and it is easy enough to take by surprise those who think they have the whip-hand of you.

From Treasure of Kings Being the Story of the Discovery of the \"Big Fish,\" or the Quest of the Greater Treasure of the Incas of Peru. by Gilson, Charles