(be) taken aback (by something)
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taken aback — confused or surprised by something unexpected. Company executives have been taken aback by the criticism. I asked him directly if he was looking for someone with my skills, and I think he was kind of taken aback. Etymology: based on the literal… … New idioms dictionary
To be taken aback — Take Take, v. t. [imp. {Took} (t[oo^]k); p. p. {Taken} (t[=a]k n); p. pr. & vb. n. {Taking}.] [Icel. taka; akin to Sw. taga, Dan. tage, Goth. t[=e]kan to touch; of uncertain origin.] 1. In an active sense; To lay hold of; to seize with the hands … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
be taken aback — phrase to be shocked or surprised, especially by something that someone says or does to you Bill was taken aback by the girl’s directness. Thesaurus: to be shocked or surprisedsynonym Main entry: aback … Useful english dictionary
be taken aback — to be shocked or surprised, especially by something that someone says or does to you Bill was taken aback by the girl s directness … English dictionary
aback — [[t]əbæ̱k[/t]] PHRASE: usu v link PHR, oft PHR by n If you are taken aback by something, you are surprised or shocked by it and you cannot respond at once. Roland was taken aback by our strength of feeling... Derek was taken aback when a man… … English dictionary
Taken — Take Take, v. t. [imp. {Took} (t[oo^]k); p. p. {Taken} (t[=a]k n); p. pr. & vb. n. {Taking}.] [Icel. taka; akin to Sw. taga, Dan. tage, Goth. t[=e]kan to touch; of uncertain origin.] 1. In an active sense; To lay hold of; to seize with the hands … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
aback — a|back [əˈbæk] adv [Date: 1100 1200; : Old English; Origin: on bAc backward ] be taken aback (by sth) to be very surprised or shocked by something ▪ For a moment, I was completely taken aback by her request … Dictionary of contemporary English
aback — a|back [ ə bæk ] adverb be taken aback to be shocked or surprised, especially by something someone says or does to you: Bill was taken aback by the girl s directness … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
aback — adverb be taken aback to be very surprised or shocked by something: For a moment, I was completely taken aback by her request … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
take aback — verb surprise greatly; knock someone s socks off (Freq. 1) I was floored when I heard that I was promoted • Syn: ↑shock, ↑floor, ↑ball over, ↑blow out of the water • Derivationally related forms: ↑ … Useful english dictionary
