catch (someone) flat-footed

To startle someone; to come upon someone unawares and/or when he or she is unprepared. Usually used in the past tense. The security guard caught the thieves flat-footed. That essay question in the exam caught me completely flat-footed.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Kalliope	-	Greek Mythology
Archibald	AHR-chə-bawld	Scottish, English
Volodislavu	-	Medieval Slavic
Attride	['ætraid]
Feri	-	Hungarian
Rachna	-	Indian, Hindi, Marathi