off balance

1. Surprised, unprepared, as in The teacher gives unannounced tests to keep the class off balance . [Second half of 1900s]

2. Out of equilibrium, unsteady, as in When learning how to ride a two-wheeler, it's easy to get off balance and fall , or She stood up and threw the canoe off balance . [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

That is, as we witnessed, not quite the same thing but more than enough to throw Vance slightly off-balance, especially since neither O’Donnell nor Brennan announced they’d be wielding this workaround during the debate.

From Salon

He has a history of thriving in the spotlight and setting the terms of political conversation that keeps his opponents off-balance and his issues – notably on immigration and trade, where his positions have broad popular support – at the forefront of political discussion.

From BBC

But over the last five weeks, as Kamala Harris launched her late-starting presidential campaign, Trump has been the one who appeared off-balance, seemingly unprepared to run against anyone younger than President Biden.

From Los Angeles Times

The dramatic twists and turns of this year’s presidential race have left America’s media, political class, and many ordinary citizens completely off-balance.

From Slate

Gilbert said afterward he was off-balance on the throw.

From Seattle Times