be taken aback

taken aback

Startled, astonished, shocked, or disconcerted. All of us were a bit taken aback to learn that John was moving to England next month. I must admit that I was taken aback when I heard we weren't receiving our bonuses this year.
See also: aback, taken
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

be taken aˈback (by somebody/something)

be shocked or surprised by somebody/something: She was completely taken aback by his anger.
See also: aback, taken
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • aback
  • be set aback
  • take (one) aback
  • take aback
  • take someone aback
  • taken aback
  • set (one) aback
  • take aback, to
  • be taken by surprise
  • shaken up
References in periodicals archive
AM I the only Journal reader to be taken aback by the comments of Chief Superintendent Jon Stratford from Avon and Somerset Police (The Journal, January 3)?
It's time to reclaim our streets again
I AM sure that I am not the only person to be taken aback by Esther McVey's letter (Daily Post, May 27) concerning MPs' expenses.
Golden opportunity; LETTERS to the EDITOR
Despite its undeniable success, however, I couldn't help but be taken aback as I sat through Les Invasions barbares.
Epidemic amnesia: AIDS is curiously forgotten in Denys Arcand's Les Invasions barbares