be set aback
be set aback
To be startled, astonished, shocked, or disconcerted. (A less common variant of "be taken aback.") All of us were a bit set aback to learn that John was moving to England next month. I must admit that I was set aback when I heard we weren't receiving our bonuses this year.
See also: aback, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- aback
- be taken aback
- set (one) aback
- take (one) aback
- take aback
- take someone aback
- taken aback
- be taken by surprise
- shaken up
- take aback, to