The idiom “off your guard” is employed to describe a situation or moment when someone is not being attentive or watchful, rendering them vulnerable to surprise or unexpected events.
This phrase is widely utilized to express circumstances where an individual is caught unprepared or in a situation where their defenses are down.
Example: The question caught her off her guard, and she struggled to formulate a coherent response.
About the Author: Chris Drew has a PhD in Education. He has been a teacher in schools and universities and has taught English as a Second Language in Colombia. He is former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.Caught off Guard Idiom Origins
The origin of the idiom “caught off guard” can be primarily traced back to military and combat contexts.
- Military Context: Throughout history, soldiers on duty were often tasked with “guarding” a location, person, or object. If a soldier were ever distracted or not paying attention, they would be considered “off guard,” thus susceptible to unexpected attacks or surprises from adversaries.
- Combat and Duels: In hand-to-hand combat and dueling, particularly in swordplay, a combatant needs to maintain a defensive “guard” position. If a fighter lowers their weapon or becomes distracted, they are “off their guard” and at a disadvantage, providing their opponent with an opportune moment to strike.
I find it interesting that the idiom started gaining steam in the years of WWII, which may be a nod to its military origins:
Metaphorically speaking, being “off your guard” today refers to a state of unpreparedness or not being vigilant, making one susceptible to surprise or being taken advantage of.
As per a graph from Google, which displays the frequency of the phrase’s usage, “off your guard” has maintained a steady presence in language, suggesting its application remains relevant and well-understood in contemporary communication.
10 Examples in a Sentence
- “He was caught off his guard when the reporter asked about his personal life.”
- “The sudden exam caught the students off their guard.”
- “She was off her guard when the announcement was made unexpectedly.”
- “You should never be off your guard when negotiating with experienced traders.”
- “He managed to sneak up on her because she was off her guard.”
- “The team was off their guard and conceded a goal in the final minute.”
- “During the debate, the unexpected question caught him off his guard.”
- “The revelation about the company’s finances caught investors off their guard.”
- “She was completely off her guard when he proposed to her on a casual dinner date.”
- “The sudden change in market trends found the analysts off their guard.”
Practice Questions Worksheet for Students
Question 1: If you are off your guard during a debate, what might happen?
- a) You may be caught by surprise.
- b) You will dominate the discussion.
- c) You will feel relaxed.
- d) You will be applauded.
Question 2: Being off your guard while walking through an unfamiliar city might result in:
- a) A leisurely stroll.
- b) Not noticing potential risks.
- c) A guided tour.
- d) An informative journey.
Question 3: Which of the following scenarios is indicative of someone being off their guard?
- a) A goalkeeper constantly saving goals.
- b) A soldier vigilantly watching the border.
- c) A teacher surprised by a pop quiz.
- d) A driver attentively following traffic rules.
Question 4: Why might it be important to not be off your guard in a negotiation?
- a) To prevent being taken advantage of.
- b) To enjoy the process.
- c) To get to know the other party.
- d) To have a friendly chat.
Similar Idioms
1. Let your guard down
Definition: To become less vigilant and more relaxed.
In a Sentence: “She rarely lets her guard down in professional settings.”
2. On the alert
Definition: Being watchful and prepared for danger or trouble.
In a Sentence: “The forest rangers were on the alert for signs of a wildfire.”
3. Keep your eyes peeled
Definition: To watch carefully and attentively.
In a Sentence: “Keep your eyes peeled for any sign of danger while hiking.”
4. Sleep with one eye open
Definition: To remain vigilant and alert, even when resting.
In a Sentence: “In the competitive business world, you must sleep with one eye open.”
5. Watch your six
Definition: Be aware of what’s happening behind you or in your blind spot.
In a Sentence: “In a heated debate, always watch your six and be prepared for unexpected arguments.”
6. On your toes
Definition: Being alert and ready to act.
In a Sentence: “Keeping on your toes at all times is crucial for emergency medical technicians.”
7. Be on the lookout
Definition: Vigilantly watch for something or someone.
In a Sentence: “Be on the lookout for any discrepancies in the report.”
8. Watch like a hawk
Definition: To observe someone or something very carefully.
In a Sentence: “The supervisor would watch the new recruits like a hawk.”
9. Eyes in the back of one’s head
Definition: The ability to perceive things that are out of sight.
In a Sentence: “A good teacher needs eyes in the back of their head to monitor the class effectively.”
10. Beware of the dog
Definition: A warning to be vigilant because there is a dog that could potentially be dangerous.
In a Sentence: “Despite the ‘Beware of the dog’ sign, the mail carrier enters the yard confidently, knowing the dog well.”
11. Tread carefully
Definition: To proceed with caution.
In a Sentence: “When discussing sensitive topics, it’s always wise to tread carefully.”
12. Walk on thin ice
Definition: To be in a precarious or risky situation.
In a Sentence: “After the warning from his boss, he knew he was walking on thin ice.”
13. Look before you leap
Definition: Consider possible consequences before taking action.
In a Sentence: “She learned to look before she leapt after making several impulsive decisions.”
14. Keep a weather eye out
Definition: Remain attentive and vigilant.
In a Sentence: “Even on calm seas, a good sailor will keep a weather eye out for changes.”
15. Handle with kid gloves
Definition: To treat something with care and gentleness due to its sensitivity or fragility.
In a Sentence: “This topic is sensitive for many, so please handle it with kid gloves during your speech.”