Take aback

Meaning

The idiom "take aback" means to be surprised, shocked or taken aback by something unexpected or unpleasant that one has experienced.

Usage

• When John saw the state of his car after the accident, he took aback and didn't know what to say.
• She was taken aback when she found out about her ex-boyfriend's new relationship on social media.
• The sudden announcement of the company's closure took aback many employees who were caught off guard.
• When I heard that my favorite TV show would be cancelled, I took aback and couldn't believe it.
• He took aback when he found out his brother had been arrested for stealing.

Roots and History

The idiom "take aback" has been in use since the 16th century and its literal meaning was to pull back or withdraw from something. However, over time it has taken on a figurative meaning of being shocked or surprised. The earliest known usage of the idiom was in Shakespeare's play "Richard III," where he wrote, "The king took aback when he heard the news."

Synonyms in English

• taken aback
• shocked
• stunned
• taken abeam
• surprised

Synonyms in other languages

• Español: sorprendido/a, heridos/as de dolor
• Francés: surpris(se), blessé(e)
• German: überrascht, verwundet
• Italian: sorpreso/a, ferito/a
• Japanese: 驚いてしまい、傷れてしまい

Similar Idioms

• the best is yet to come

• take a back seat

• turn against