12 Idioms to Talk About Surprise in English
Surprise comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it's a lovely shock — like getting flowers from a friend out of nowhere. Other times, it’s the kind of surprise that leaves you frozen, confused, or even reeling.
In English, we often rely on idioms to describe these reactions. These expressions aren’t just colourful — they help you sound more natural and connected when you speak.
Below, I’ve grouped 12 useful idioms for talking about surprise, so you can choose the right phrase for the situation — whether it’s amazement, disbelief, or sudden shock.
Everyday Surprise
Out of the blue
When something happens unexpectedly, with no warning.
She called me out of the blue after five years.
Catch someone off guard
To surprise someone when they’re unprepared.
The question caught me off guard — I didn’t know what to say.
Raise a few eyebrows
To cause mild surprise, curiosity, or disapproval.
His choice of words definitely raised a few eyebrows at the meeting.
Pull something out of the bag / hat
To produce something impressive, often unexpectedly or at the last minute.
I thought we’d lost, but she pulled it out of the bag in the final seconds.
Shocking or Negative Surprise
Drop a bombshell
To suddenly reveal dramatic or shocking news.
She dropped a bombshell — she’s leaving the company.
Bolt from the blue
A sudden, unexpected event — often unpleasant.
The decision to cancel the project was a bolt from the blue.
Knock someone sideways
To shock or upset someone significantly.
Losing his job really knocked him sideways.
A turn-up for the books
An unexpected or surprising outcome (usually positive or ironic).
Him winning the baking competition was a real turn-up for the books.
Amazement or Awe
Not believe your eyes/ears
To be shocked or amazed by what you see or hear.
I couldn’t believe my eyes — the whole street was flooded.
Take someone’s breath away
To impress or move someone deeply.
The view from the top of the hill took my breath away.
Sudden Fear or Startle
Jump out of your skin
To be suddenly startled or frightened.
I jumped out of my skin when the fire alarm went off.
Like a deer in the headlights
To freeze in surprise, fear, or confusion.
He looked like a deer in the headlights when they asked him to speak.
If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words in English when something catches you by surprise, these idioms might help. And the more you hear or use them in real conversations, the more natural they’ll feel.
