unawares

The entire plot is driven by Blackthorne’s revelation that even the Christian lords’ European allies are secretly building an army with which they intend to take all of Japan unawares.

That the government is always caught unawares shows a depressing underinvestment in the waterworks of its cities and its rural areas.

Because forecasters were caught unawares, so were local residents, who only expected perhaps a Category 2 storm.

They were taken unawares and couldn't salvage anything, she tells me as beads of tears roll down her face.

Our source said that the coup caught everyone unawares, despite rumours floating around Gen Nguema.