ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hit someone for six

idiom
Meaning

To affect in a devastating way by some unexpected news.


Origin

disputed origin

From cricket, where hitting the ball over the boundary without it bouncing scores six runs, the maximum for one shot.

Examples
SIMPLE

The sudden news hit him for six.

CONTEXTUAL

When she heard the company was closing, the news hit her for six.

COMPLEX

The unexpected announcement of his resignation hit the entire department for six, leaving everyone stunned and uncertain about the future.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

  8. 08

    cry someone a river

    To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.

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