# knock for a loop

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/knock-for-a-loop
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To astonish; to stagger or overwhelm; to confuse or disorient.

## Examples

- The sudden news really knocked me for a loop.
- The unexpected resignation of the manager knocked the entire office for a loop.
- The sudden revelation of his true identity knocked the investigators for a loop, forcing them to rethink their entire strategy.

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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.