In recent months, health insurers and managed care operators in both the New York City area and around Albany have been socked with unexpectedly stiff extra bills.

Meanwhile, the unexpectedly stiff resistance on Saipan and the sortie of the Japanese Fleet had necessitated a delay in the landings on Guam.

Scores Killed or Wounded The Yugoslav Army's four-day campaign to take over border crossings into Slovenia met unexpectedly stiff resistance from the republic's "territorial defense" force.

But it was also recognized that the troops being sent were an insurance force that could be used in the invasion of Iraq if the opposition was unexpectedly stiff.

A joint Polish-British-American force ran into unexpectedly stiff resistance, and it took several days to clear the Iraqi forces out.

However, their attempt to storm Madrid had failed, in the face of unexpectedly stiff Republican resistance.

But Mr. Milstein, whose brother, Edward, is also a partner in the deal, has faced unexpectedly stiff resistance.

The source of the unexpectedly stiff resistance was unclear.

Rummaging in the bottom of my backpack, my fingers travel over something unexpectedly stiff and furry.

At a crucial moment during Ironclad, the main British landing force was held up west of Diego Suarez by unexpectedly stiff Vichy French resistance.