# all of a heap

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/all-of-a-heap
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Into a sudden state of collapse or astonishment.

## Examples

- The bad news knocked him all of a heap.
- When she heard the sudden announcement, she fell all of a heap and had to sit down.
- The unexpected revelation left the seasoned detective all of a heap, forcing him to reconsider everything he thought he knew about the case.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.