off one's guard

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Definition

Adjective phrase: - Not prepared or vigilant; in a state of being surprised or vulnerable because one was not paying attention or expecting something. It describes a moment when someone is not mentally or physically ready to deal with a sudden event, attack, or question.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a person's state of being caught by surprise. It often follows verbs like "catch," "find," or "take." - It is typically used in the construction: to catch someone off their guard. - It can also be used after the verb "to be": to be off one's guard.

Examples
  • The interviewer's unexpected question caught the politician off his guard.
  • The sudden noise found her off her guard and she dropped the vase.
  • You must never be off your guard when hiking in bear country.
  • The team scored a goal because the goalkeeper was momentarily off his guard.
Advanced Usage
  • To catch/take someone off guard: This is the most common verbal construction using the phrase. It means to surprise someone by doing or saying something they did not expect.
    • The announcement of his resignation caught everyone off guard.
  • The phrase can be modified with adverbs like "completely," "totally," or "momentarily."
    • He was completely off his guard and revealed the secret.
Variants and Related Words
  • Off-guard (adjective): Often used attributively (before a noun) to describe the moment or situation itself.
    • It was an off-guard remark that he later regretted.
    • The journalist's off-guard comment went viral.
  • Unprepared (adjective): Not ready or equipped for something.
  • Unwary (adjective): Not cautious of possible dangers or problems.
Synonyms
  • Unprepared
  • Unwary
  • Unvigilant
  • Napping (informal, as in "caught napping")
Antonyms
  • On one's guard
  • Alert
  • Vigilant
  • Prepared
  • Wary
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • With one's guard down: In a relaxed, unguarded state where one is not defending oneself physically or mentally. Very similar in meaning to "off one's guard."
    • He spoke honestly only when he had his guard down.
  • To catch someone napping: To take advantage of someone who is being inattentive or unprepared. (This is a direct synonym in the referenced definition).
    • The new competitor caught the market leader napping with their innovative product.
Adjective
  1. not prepared or vigilant
    • the blow caught him napping
    • caught in an off-guard moment
    • found him off his guard

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