element of surprise

element of surprise

A method of stealth or secrecy employed to catch someone off-guard. I'll get mom to let me stay out till midnight, but I can't ask her now, when she's expecting it—I need the element of surprise. The fish camouflages itself and disappears onto the ocean floor, relying on the element of surprise to catch its prey.
See also: element, of, surprise
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • till hell freezes over
  • until hell freezes over
  • till then
  • (goodbye) till then
  • call it/them as (one) sees it/them
  • call it/them like (one) sees it/them
  • goodbye
  • bye
  • (goodbye) till later
  • secrecy
References in classic literature
On the other hand, this, as destroying the element of surprise, would have made his strategy of no avail, so that the whole question is beset with difficulties.
And with the rest of the world now aware of what Gilas Pilipinas is capable of, the Nationals won't have the element of surprise working into their favor this time in China.
"We always add our own personality to the show each year; the element of surprise keeps things fresh, but my ultimate aim is to remain faithful to a Tina Turner live concert, and bring the best version of this amazing woman; her voice, her passion and even her legs, to her many fans.
TOKYO: Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Ninja Boy" Nasukawa said Tuesday he wants to use the element of surprise to defeat boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr in their bout later this month.
But arguably Mercurio's biggest weapon of choice is the element of surprise.
Coach Ronnie Magsanoc said the Philippines will bank on homecourt edge and element of surprise in a bid to make a worthy showing in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup slated June 8-12 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
IN winter time, we can expect some snow and ice on the roads for which we can prepare, although for some reason, there always seems to be an element of surprise at the sign of the first snowflake!
IN winter time, we can expect some snow and ice on the roads, for which we can prepare, although for some reason, there always seems to be an element of surprise at the sign of the first snowflake!
However, the time consumed by the military to mobilise completely took around three weeks, and the element of surprise ended because Pakistan was not only able to mobilise its defensive forces but also tried to bring the international community for the resolution of the conflict.
It turns out it's very hard to tickle yourself because there's no element of surprise. Your brain anticipates things going on around you to help speed up your reactions.
There'd be an element of surprise if he were to start or come on early tomorrow West Ham won't know a great deal about him, and he could prove difficult to deal with.
But you'll have to buy one to find out - it is a tight-lipped secret to ensure the element of surprise.
In this garden, a zigzagging path of cheery white Leucanthemum 'Real Glory' adds movement and an element of surprise, as well as a hit of seasonal color, to a bed.
"Clariant is therefore delighted to introduce transforming formulation concepts that stand out for their element of surprise and use of natural ingredients.
However, 36-year-old defender McAuley is not fazed by the likes of Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski and Andriy Yarmolenko and insists O'Neill is hatching tactics that will ensure they can bank on the element of surprise.