be taken aback (by something)SURPRISEDto be very surprised or shocked by something (对某事)大吃一惊
For a moment, I was completely taken aback by her request.
一时间她的要求把我吓了一大跳。
Examples from the Corpus
be taken aback (by something)• The authorities were taken aback, and took the unprecedentedstep of cordoning off the painting.• The man spun round so swiftly that Georgewas taken aback and tripped, falling on to the softmud.• I was taken aback, but deep down I wasn't totally surprised.• Intel was taken aback by the intensity of public anger.• He was taken aback by the new demands of the job.• Jonadab was taken aback, not being a man given to overtaffection.• She was taken aback to realise just how far her reservations about seeing him had disappeared.
Examples from the Corpus
aback• He was momentarily a bit taken aback.• The singer is capable of delicacy, as well; the occasionalpianissimoutterance takes you aback.• The authorities were taken aback, and took the unprecedented step of cordoning off the painting.• She appeared taken aback, as if she had only just realised that the pair of them were not alone.• They all looked suitably taken aback by his entrance, mutteringdisapproval whilst he insisted that Ockleton step outside.• Intel was taken aback by the intensity of public anger.• Though she did seem taken aback, come to think of it.• He seemed even more taken aback than I was, and this heartened me.