Unexpected bills shock unprepared people.

Meaning: People who are not prepared for unexpected bills may be greatly surprised or distressed by them.

Choice of Words: Unexpected means not anticipated or expected. Bills are invoices for goods or services. Shock means to surprise or distress greatly. Unprepared means not ready or equipped to deal with a situation.

Alternative Expressions

Unexpected expenses startle people who are not ready.

Meaning: This means that people who are not ready or don't have enough money to pay for things can be very surprised or scared when they have to pay for unexpected expenses.

Choice of Words: Expenses are similar to bills, they are payments you have to make. Startle means to make someone suddenly surprised or frightened. People are humans.

Unforeseen costs can catch people off guard.

Meaning: This means that people who don't have enough money or are not ready to pay for things can be very surprised when they have to pay for unexpected costs.

Choice of Words: Unforeseen means something that you didn't expect or plan for. Costs are payments you have to make. Catch someone off guard means to surprise someone when they are not expecting it.

Related Expressions