student asking question

What does "catch someone off guard" mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

To "catch someone off guard" means to surprise or shock someone, especially in a way that makes someone feels uncertain. In this video, Ariana Grande was shocked by Jimmy Fallon singing. Ex: The news of the virus caught her off guard. Ex: The strength of the child caught the parents off guard.

Popular Q&As

03/22

Complete the expression with a quiz!