Antonyms for the phrase "takes unawares" vary depending on the context. In some cases, synonyms for "prepared" or "ready" could be used, indicating that someone is not caught off guard. In other cases, antonyms for "surprise" or "astonish" could be appropriate, indicating that someone is not taken aback or startled. Some possible antonyms include "predictable," "expected," "anticipatable," "unsurprising," "foreseeable," and "foreknown." When looking for the antonym of "takes unawares," it is important to consider the intended meaning of the phrase and select a word or phrase that best conveys the opposite sentiment.