Antonyms for the phrase "takes by surprise" would include "predictable," "expected," and "foreseeable." In other words, something that is not surprising or unexpected would be the opposite of being taken by surprise. Some synonyms for predictability would include "ordered," "regular," and "routine," while synonyms for being unexpected might include "unforeseen," "unanticipated," and "abrupt." Essentially, anything that is part of an established pattern or can be easily foreseen would not qualify as taking someone by surprise. Antonyms of taking by surprise could also include "planned," "prepared," or "not caught off guard.