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Dec 3, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—A

Aback

I was taken aback—I was greatly astonished—taken by surprise—startled. It is a sea term. A ship is “taken aback” when the sails are suddenly carried by the wind back against the mast, instantly staying the ship's progress—very dangerous in a strong gale.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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