Blindside: meaning, definitions and examples

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blindside

 

[ ˈblaɪn(d)saɪd ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

unexpected attack

To blindside someone means to catch them off guard or to attack them unexpectedly, leaving them defenseless. This term is often used in sports, particularly in football, but can also apply in various situations in life where someone is taken by surprise.

Synonyms

ambush, catch off guard, stun, surprise

Examples of usage

  • The defender was blindsided by the opposing player.
  • She felt blindsided by the sudden news of his departure.
  • Don't blindside your colleagues with unexpected changes.
  • He managed to blindside his opponent, securing the win.
Context #2 | Noun

surprise attack

A blindside refers to an unexpected attack or confrontation that occurs when the target is not aware of the imminent danger. It is often used in both physical confrontations and metaphorical contexts, such as personal or professional situations.

Synonyms

ambush, shock, sudden attack

Examples of usage

  • The blindside was a turning point in the game.
  • He was hit by a blindside during the discussion.
  • The blindside left her feeling vulnerable.
  • They planned a tactical blindside in the debate.

Translations

Translations of the word "blindside" in other languages:

🇵🇹 surpreender

🇮🇳 अचंभित करना

🇩🇪 überraschen

🇮🇩 mengejutkan

🇺🇦 задати неприємний сюрприз

🇵🇱 zaskoczyć

🇯🇵 不意打ちする

🇫🇷 surprendre

🇪🇸 sorprender

🇹🇷 şaşırtmak

🇰🇷 놀라게 하다

🇸🇦 مفاجأة

🇨🇿 překvapit

🇸🇰 prekvapiť

🇨🇳 出其不意

🇸🇮 presenetiti

🇮🇸 óvænt

🇰🇿 таңғалдырып жіберу

🇬🇪 გასაკვირვებელი

🇦🇿 şaşırmaq

🇲🇽 sorprender

Etymology

The term 'blindside' originated in the early 20th century, primarily within the context of American football. The word combines 'blind', indicating something out of sight or unanticipated, and 'side', referring to a flank or position that one might not be monitoring. In a football game, players are often more focused on the action in front of them, making them vulnerable to hits from the sides, particularly from players coming at them unexpectedly. As football gained popularity, the term began to be adopted into everyday language to describe a variety of situations where someone is caught unprepared—be it in personal relationships, professional settings, or other contexts. Over time, 'blindside' has evolved to encompass both the physical aspect of being attacked from an unexpected angle and the psychological impact of being taken by surprise in a more abstract sense.