Also means
to catch off guard
Usage Note
Spiazzare literally means to push someone off their spot (piazza = place/square) and figuratively means to leave someone at a loss, to catch them off guard with an unexpected move or remark. It is common in sports commentary (la mossa ha spiazzato il portiere) and in everyday speech. Takes avere as auxiliary.
Examples
"La sua risposta mi ha spiazzato."
Natural Translation
His answer caught me off guard.
Literal Translation
His answer me has caught-off-guard.
Related Words
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