Blindsiding: meaning, definitions and examples

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blindsiding

 

[ ˈblaɪndˌsaɪdɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

unexpected situation

To blindside someone means to surprise them by doing something unexpected, often resulting in a negative impact. It usually involves an action that catches someone off guard, leading them to feel unprepared or vulnerable.

Synonyms

astonish, catch off guard, surprise

Examples of usage

  • The sudden turn of events blindsided the entire team.
  • He was blindsided by the unexpected news of his job loss.
  • The opponent blindsided us with an incredible strategy during the match.
Context #2 | Noun

sports usage

In sports, blindsiding refers to tackling or hitting an opponent without them seeing it coming, typically from the side or the back. This type of action is often considered unsportsmanlike and can lead to penalties.

Synonyms

ambush, hit from behind, sneak attack

Examples of usage

  • The player was penalized for a blindsiding tackle.
  • Blindsiding in football can lead to serious injuries.
  • The coach warned the team against blindsiding their opponents unfairly.

Translations

Translations of the word "blindsiding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 surpreender

🇮🇳 अचानक हमला करना

🇩🇪 überraschen

🇮🇩 mengejutkan

🇺🇦 завдавати удару зненацька

🇵🇱 zaskakiwać

🇯🇵 不意を突く

🇫🇷 surprendre

🇪🇸 sorprender

🇹🇷 şaşırtmak

🇰🇷 의외의 공격을 하다

🇸🇦 مفاجأة

🇨🇿 překvapit

🇸🇰 prekvapiť

🇨🇳 出其不意

🇸🇮 presenetiti

🇮🇸 súrræða

🇰🇿 таңқалдыру

🇬🇪 გაოცება

🇦🇿 şoka salmaq

🇲🇽 sorprender

Etymology

The term 'blindsiding' originated from the word 'blindside,' which traditionally refers to the side of a vehicle or a person that is not visible to them. The first uses of 'blindsiding' in the context of surprise attacks can be traced back to sports, where players would take advantage of their opponents' blind spots. The metaphorical use of the term has since expanded into everyday language to describe unexpected and often negative situations in various contexts, such as personal relationships and workplace dynamics. The evolution of the term reflects social and cultural shifts, where the element of surprise—especially in unanticipated challenges—has come to play a significant role in communication and strategy.