Idiom
knock for six
Meanings
To shock, upset, or overwhelm someone so much that they feel stunned or knocked off balance emotionally.
Definition
To knock for six means to shock or upset someone so much that they feel stunned or overwhelmed.
If something knocks you for six, it affects you very strongly and leaves you shocked, upset, or unable to react normally for a moment. It is often used for sudden bad news, a surprising event, or an emotional blow. The phrase is common in British English and comes from cricket, where a powerful hit scores six runs.
Examples
- The news of the layoffs really knocked me for six.
- Her sudden breakup announcement knocked him for six.
- Seeing the damage after the storm knocked us for six.
- The unexpected diagnosis knocked her for six at first.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.