off (your) guard

Examples (10)

• The unexpected question seemed to catch him off his guard.
• His sudden resignation caught everyone completely off guard.
• A good chess player never lets their opponent catch them off guard.
• The surprise attack was designed to take the enemy off guard.
• Don't let his friendly demeanor throw you off your guard; he's a tough negotiator.
• I was caught off guard when she confessed her feelings for me.
• Investors were thrown off guard by the sudden drop in the stock market.
• Always be prepared; you never know when a crisis might catch you off guard.
• The goalkeeper was momentarily off his guard, allowing the easy goal.
• Being caught off guard by the pop quiz, many students performed poorly.