(figuratively) Surprised, shocked. / (nautical) Said of a ship, when the wind, suddenly changing, forces the sails aft against the mast.

past participle of take aback

Something extremely rare or unlikely.

Used to express regret for a foolish impromptu or impulsive past action.

(transitive) To beat up (a person) more than usually severely. / (transitive, colloquial, loosely) To defeat severely in various, even non-contact, competitive sports.

With the hope of averting disaster despite a desperate situation teetering on failure.

(idiomatic, often sarcastic) To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.

(idiomatic, intransitive) To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance. / (idiomatic, intransitive) To be of importance; to matter.

(slang, of a man) Broad-shouldered and of solid, muscular build. / (slang, of a vehicle, machine, building, etc.) Sturdy; exceptionally well constructed.

Something that will enrage another particular person.