不意打ち
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Meanings
1
surprise attack; catching off guard
Refers to an unexpected attack or action that catches someone unprepared. Can be used literally for military or physical attacks, or figuratively for sudden visits, questions, or events that take someone by surprise.
The unit fell into great confusion after being hit by a surprise attack from the enemy.
His sudden question was like a surprise attack.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に不意打ちを食らうto be caught off guard by someone's surprise attack/action
The unit was thrown into chaos after being caught off guard by the enemy's surprise attack.
- 不意打ちを仕掛けるto launch a surprise attack
Our side won by launching a surprise attack just before dawn.
- 不意打ちで〈動詞〉to do something suddenly, catching someone off guard
He suddenly hit me with a difficult question, catching me off guard.