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View synonyms for
take aback
verb
(tr, adverb) to astonish or disconcert
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Idioms and Phrases
Surprise, shock, as in He was taken aback by her caustic remark. This idiom comes from nautical terminology of the mid-1700s, when be taken aback referred to the stalling of a ship caused by a wind shift that made the sails lay back against the masts. Its figurative use was first recorded in 1829.
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Example Sentences
Examples have not been reviewed.
He said his dad had "leaned into me on the way out and said 'that's the biggest honour I've ever received' and I was quite taken aback because normally he wouldn't understand what's going on".
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"The prime minister was taken aback. She decided to snub these moves and hasten the passage of the amendment bill in the parliament," writes Prof Raghavan.
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“I’ve been taken aback by the problems that exist and how little has been done.”
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But among those who were taken aback by the announcement was Lt.
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"The response was just so warm. I was quite taken aback by it," says Archer.
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