Phrase guide

element of surprise

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The strategic advantage afforded to a party when its opposition may be caught by surprise.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • We should attack the enemy's camp now while we still have the element of surprise.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 出其不意 (chūqíbùyì) — strategic advantage
  • Chinese Mandarin: 兵者詭道 /兵者诡道 (bīngzhěguǐdào) — strategic advantage
  • Dutch: verrassingselement — strategic advantage
  • Finnish: yllätystekijä — strategic advantage
  • Portuguese: elemento supresa — strategic advantage