Idiom
knock for six
Meanings
To shock or overwhelm someone emotionally, often leaving them stunned or upset.
Definition
To knock for six means to shock or overwhelm someone, leaving them very surprised or upset.
If something knocks you for six, it affects you very strongly and suddenly. It can mean you feel shocked, upset, or emotionally overwhelmed. In British English, it often suggests you are left struggling to react or cope for a moment.
Examples
- The news of his sudden resignation really knocked me for six.
- Losing the contract at the last minute knocked the whole team for six.
- When she told me she was moving abroad, it knocked me for six.
- That unexpected bill knocked him for six and he went quiet.
- The final scene of the film knocked me for six.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with being physically hit and use it for literal injuries, but it mainly describes a strong emotional shock.
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.