blindside: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral; common in journalism, sports commentary, business, and everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “blindside” mean?
To hit or attack someone from a direction where they cannot see you coming.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To hit or attack someone from a direction where they cannot see you coming; to surprise someone with a negative event or information they did not anticipate.
To completely surprise someone, especially with an unexpected problem or setback, often leaving them unprepared to respond effectively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties with identical meaning. The spelling is consistently one word ('blindside'). The literal sporting origin (rugby/American football) may be more culturally salient in their respective regions.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation of a damaging surprise.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, likely due to prominence in American football commentary, but well-established and common in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “blindside” in a Sentence
[Subject] blindsided [Object].[Subject] was blindsided by [Event/Agent].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blindside” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The political scandal blindsided the Prime Minister during the election campaign.
- Investors were blindsided by the sudden collapse of the tech startup.
American English
- The new tax law blindsided a lot of small business owners.
- She felt blindsided by her colleague's harsh criticism in the meeting.
adverb
British English
- The linebacker tackled him blindside.
- (Rarely used; the adverbial form is typically 'from the blind side').
American English
- The rusher came in blindside and sacked the QB.
- (Rarely used; the adverbial form is typically 'from the blind side').
adjective
British English
- He suffered a blindside tackle and had to leave the rugby pitch.
- It was a blindside attack on his professional reputation.
American English
- The blindside hit on the quarterback resulted in a fumble.
- They launched a blindside manoeuvre in the negotiations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The merger proposal completely blindsided the company's board.
Academic
The researcher was blindsided by the critical flaws in her methodology pointed out during the peer review.
Everyday
I was totally blindsided when my best friend moved abroad without telling me.
Technical
The quarterback was blindsided by a linebacker coming from his weak side.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blindside”
- Using it for positive surprises ('The party blindsided me!' – sounds negative). Misspelling as two words ('blind side' is the noun form; 'blindside' is the verb). Incorrect preposition: 'blindsided *from* the news' (correct: 'blindsided *by* the news').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively used for negative, damaging, or unpleasant surprises. Using it for a positive event (like a surprise party) is non-standard and would likely be misinterpreted.
'Blindside' is a more specific and intense synonym. It implies the surprise is negative, damaging, and exploits a lack of preparedness or awareness. 'Surprise' is neutral and can be positive, negative, or neutral.
The verb is always one word: 'blindside'. The noun form referring to the vulnerable area is often written as two words: 'the blind side', though the one-word compound 'blindside' is also used as a noun, especially in sports contexts.
It originates from sports like rugby and American football, referring to the side of the field a player is not looking toward, making them vulnerable to an unseen tackle or hit. The metaphorical use developed from this.
To hit or attack someone from a direction where they cannot see you coming.
Blindside is usually informal to neutral; common in journalism, sports commentary, business, and everyday conversation. in register.
Blindside: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪnd.saɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪnd.saɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(To come/be hit from/on) the blind side.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a boxer who only looks left. A punch from the RIGHT side hits their BLIND side and surprises them. 'Blindside' = a surprise attack from where you're not looking.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / IGNORANCE IS BLINDNESS. To be 'blindsided' is to be metaphorically blind to an approaching threat.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'blindside' LEAST appropriate?