aback : Idioms & Phrases


take aback

  • verb surprise greatly; knock someone's socks off
    shock; ball over; blow out of the water; floor.
    • I was floored when I heard that I was promoted
WordNet

To be taken aback

  • . (a) To be driven backward against the mast; said of the sails, also of the ship when the sails are thus driven. (b) To be suddenly checked, baffled, or discomfited.
Webster 1913

To be taken aback, To take advantage of, To take air, etc.

  • See under Aback, Advantage, etc.
Webster 1913