Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To attack, hit, or strike someone from their blind spot, a direction from which they cannot see the attack coming.
   • To surprise someone completely, especially with an unexpected event that has negative or harmful consequences.

Usage

The verb "blindside" is used to describe a physical attack from an unseen angle or, more commonly, a figurative surprise that leaves someone unprepared and vulnerable. It implies the target had no warning or opportunity to defend themselves.

Examples

• Literal (Physical):
  • The linebacker managed to blindside the quarterback, causing a fumble.
  • He didn't see the car coming; it blindsided him at the intersection.
• Figurative (Unexpected Event):
  • The sudden resignation of the CEO blindsided the entire company.
  • I was completely blindsided by the bad news.
  • The new policy blindsided small business owners who had no time to prepare.

Advanced Usage

• "to be blindsided by something": This is the most common construction, emphasizing the recipient of the surprise.
  • The team was blindsided by the last-minute rule change.
• "to blindside someone with something": This construction highlights the agent and the means of the surprise.
  • She blindsided him with the announcement of her departure.

Variants and Related Words

• Blindside (noun): In sports like rugby or American football, the area on the field where a player has limited or no vision of opposing players. (Less common in general usage than the verb).
  • The winger attacked from the blindside.

Synonyms

• Surprise: To cause someone to feel mild or strong astonishment.
• Take aback: To shock or surprise someone unpleasantly.
• Catch off guard: To encounter someone when they are not prepared.
• Stun: To shock or astonish someone so they are temporarily unable to react.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• Come out of left field: To be completely unexpected and surprising.
  • His accusation came out of left field and blindsided everyone in the meeting.
• Hit (someone) like a ton of bricks: To affect someone very suddenly and severely.
  • The diagnosis hit her like a ton of bricks; it completely blindsided her.

Verb

1. attack or hit on or from the side where the attacked person's view is obstructed
2. catch unawares, especially with harmful consequences
   • The economic downturn blindsided many investors