Taken aback
Meaning
To be greatly surprised, shocked, or startled by something unexpected.
Origin
Imagine a majestic sailing ship, sails full and cutting through the waves. Suddenly, without warning, the wind shifts and blasts against the front of the sails—the ship is literally "taken aback." This unexpected reversal of force would bring the massive vessel to a jarring, disorienting halt, or even push it backward, threatening its control. The crew would scramble, thrown into confusion by the abrupt stop. This sudden, forceful reversal of motion, the shock of a ship brought to an unexpected standstill by an unforeseen gust, perfectly captured the feeling of being stunned or surprised, giving us the vivid phrase we use today.
Examples
- She was completely taken aback by his sudden marriage proposal, not expecting it at all.
- The manager was taken aback by the employee's audacious resignation letter delivered without notice.