B2 Expression Neutral

être pris au dépourvu

to be caught off guard

Meaning

To be surprised by an unexpected event.

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Cultural Background

In French business, being 'pris au dépourvu' is a common excuse for a slow response.

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Agreement

Always check the gender of the subject!

Meaning

To be surprised by an unexpected event.

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Agreement

Always check the gender of the subject!

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

Elle a été _____ au dépourvu par la question.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: prise

Since 'Elle' is feminine, we add an 'e'.

🎉 Score: /1

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form. Fill Blank B1

Elle a été _____ au dépourvu par la question.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: prise

Since 'Elle' is feminine, we add an 'e'.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it usually implies a negative or neutral surprise.

Related Phrases

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Être pris de court

synonym

To be caught short/surprised

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