blind side: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Semi-formal to informal. Common in sports, business, and figurative everyday language.
Quick answer
What does “blind side” mean?
The side on which a person has worse vision, especially the side not visible to a driver.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The side on which a person has worse vision, especially the side not visible to a driver; figuratively, an area where a person is vulnerable or unaware.
A person's area of vulnerability, weakness, or ignorance, particularly when exploited by others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. The verb form 'to blindside' is equally common. The American football origin makes it slightly more culturally embedded in AmE.
Connotations
Strongly associated with American football in both varieties due to the sport's terminology. The 2009 film reinforced this association globally.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the sport's prominence. The metaphorical use is common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “blind side” in a Sentence
to have a blind side (to + something)to be on someone's blind sideto come from the blind sideto blindside someone (with something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blind side” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sudden resignation of the CEO completely blindsided the board.
- He felt blindsided by the negative feedback in his performance review.
American English
- The merger news blindsided all the industry analysts.
- She was blindsided by the lawsuit from a former partner.
adverb
British English
- The criticism struck him blind side, leaving him speechless. (Rare, often rephrased)
- He approached the problem blind side, missing key details.
American English
- The car changed lanes and hit us blind side. (Rare, often 'from the blind side')
- The market moved blind side of most investors.
adjective
British English
- The blind-side tackle is often the most dangerous in rugby.
- They launched a blind-side offensive during the negotiations.
American English
- The blindside hit knocked the quarterback out of the game.
- We need to consider any blindside risks to the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new market regulations hit the company on its blind side, causing significant losses."
Academic
"The study aimed to identify cognitive blind sides in decision-making processes."
Everyday
"I didn't see the criticism coming; it really hit my blind side."
Technical
"The quarterback was sacked from his blind side due to a missed block." (American Football)
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blind side”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blind side”
- Using 'blind side' as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'a blindside attack' should be 'a blind-side attack' or 'blindsiding attack'). Confusing 'blind side' with 'blind spot' (a blind spot is a small area of no vision; a blind side is a whole vulnerable flank).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun phrase, it is typically two words ('blind side'). When used as a verb or sometimes as an attributive adjective, it is often hyphenated ('blind-side', 'blindsided') or written as one word ('blindsided'), though style guides vary.
A 'blind spot' is a small, specific area you cannot see (e.g., in a car mirror). A 'blind side' is broader, referring to an entire vulnerable flank or area of ignorance. You can have a blind spot *on* your blind side.
Rarely. It almost always refers to a vulnerability, weakness, or point of unexpected attack. A positive surprise is not typically described as coming from one's blind side.
Yes, the film title uses the American football term metaphorically. The film significantly increased global awareness of the phrase's metaphorical meaning, linking it to protecting someone's vulnerability.
The side on which a person has worse vision, especially the side not visible to a driver.
Blind side is usually semi-formal to informal. common in sports, business, and figurative everyday language. in register.
Blind side: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblaɪnd ˈsaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblaɪnd ˈsaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be blindsided (verb): to be shocked or surprised by an unexpected event, often negative.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a car's blind spot (the side mirror area you can't see). Your 'blind side' is your personal blind spot where you can't see trouble coming.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/AWARENESS IS SIGHT; IGNORANCE/VULNERABILITY IS BLINDNESS. A vulnerable area is a place you cannot 'see' mentally.
Practice
Quiz
In its most common metaphorical use, 'blind side' refers to: