BEING TAKEN ABACK Meaning and
Definition
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Being taken aback is an idiomatic expression that refers to the feeling of surprise, shock, or astonishment that one experiences as a result of an unexpected event or statement. It is commonly used to describe the immediate and involuntary reaction when something takes someone by surprise or catches them off guard.
When someone is taken aback, they may find themselves momentarily speechless, confused, or unable to react due to the unexpected nature of the situation. This expression often implies that the person's initial response is marked by a sense of disbelief or being caught completely off guard.
The phrase "taken aback" originates from nautical terminology. In the sailing world, a sudden change in wind direction could unexpectedly fill the sails from the opposite side, causing the ship to lose its forward momentum and come to an abrupt halt. This unexpected change in direction would "take aback" the sailors, leaving them temporarily disoriented and surprised.
In everyday usage, being taken aback typically refers to a person's emotional or mental response, rather than a physical one. It is often used to convey a strong sense of astonishment or shock, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the situation. Overall, being taken aback signifies a momentary mental pause and a need to process and adjust to the surprising turn of events.
Common Misspellings for BEING TAKEN ABACK
- veing taken aback
- neing taken aback
- heing taken aback
- geing taken aback
- bwing taken aback
- bsing taken aback
- bding taken aback
- bring taken aback
- b4ing taken aback
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