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.