虚きょを突つかれる

expression, ichidan verb

be caught off guard; be caught unprepared

Passive expression meaning one's weak point or unguarded moment is exploited, leading to surprise or disadvantage.

• 相あい手ての鋭するどい質しつ問もんに虚きょを突つかれて、何なにも答こたえられなかった。

  I was caught off guard by the opponent's sharp question and couldn't answer anything.

• 不ふ意いの出で来き事ごとに虚きょを突つかれた。

  I was caught unprepared by the unexpected event.