come upon one, burst upon one, flash upon one, bounce upon one, steal upon one, creep upon one
come like a thunder clap, burst like a thunderclap, thunder bolt
take by surprise, catch by surprise, catch unawares, catch napping
yach [S. Afr.]. pounce upon, spring a mine upon. surprise, startle, take aback, electrify, stun, stagger, take away one's breath, throw off one's guard
astonish, dumbfound etc.(strike with wonder)Wonder.
Adjectives
nonexpectant
surprised etc. v.
unwarned, unaware
off one's guard
inattentive Inattention. unexpected, unanticipated, unpredicted, unlooked for, unforeseen, unhoped for
dropped from the clouds
beyond expectation, contrary to expectation, against expectation, against all expectation