To be taken aback

Related to To be taken aback: out of whack, To Say the Least, pale in comparison
To be driven backward against the mast; - said of the sails, also of the ship when the sails are thus driven.
To be suddenly checked, baffled, or discomfited.- Dickens.
See under Aback, Advantage, etc.

See also: Aback, Aback, Take