Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪkɪŋ ˌʌnəwˈe͡əz] (IPA) 
The phrase "taking unawares" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end of "unawares", which indicates that the preceding "a" is pronounced in its long form. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), this is represented as /ʌnəˈwɛərz/. The phrase means to catch someone off guard or to surprise them. It is important to remember the spelling of this phrase to avoid any confusion or errors in written communication.
Taking unawares is an idiomatic expression that refers to catching someone off guard or surprising them unexpectedly. It describes a situation in which an individual is caught by surprise or taken by surprise, often due to being unaware or unprepared for a particular event or situation.
When someone is taken unawares, they are typically caught off guard in a manner that may cause astonishment, shock, or confusion. This unexpected occurrence could be in the form of an unforeseen circumstance, an unexpected visit, or an unforeseen turn of events. The element of surprise is the central theme in taking unawares. The action of taking unawares often happens in an instant, leaving the person with little to no time to react or respond appropriately.
This term can be used in various contexts, including personal, social, or professional settings. For example, in a business context, someone might be taken unawares by a sudden change in company policies or a surprise announcement during a meeting. Similarly, in personal relationships, an individual may be taken unawares by a friend unexpectedly revealing a secret or by a loved one unexpectedly proposing marriage.
In summary, taking unawares refers to catching someone off guard or surprising them unexpectedly, often causing astonishment or shock due to their lack of awareness or preparation for the event or situation.
The phrase "taking unawares" is a combination of two words with distinct etymologies: "taking" and "unawares".
1. Taking: The word "taking" originated around the 14th century. It comes from the Middle English word "taken", which in turn derives from the Old English word "tacan". Both "taken" and "tacan" mean "to grasp" or "to catch hold of". Over time, "taking" evolved to mean "to seize" or "to capture", particularly in a metaphorical sense.
2. Unawares: The word "unawares" also emerged during the 14th century. It is a combination of the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "without", and "awares", which is the plural of "aware".
