# shock to the system

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shock-to-the-system
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

something that has a sudden and usually unpleasant effect on someone.

## Examples

- Moving to a new country was a shock to the system.
- The sudden loss of his job was a real shock to the system, but he eventually found a better role.
- Returning to the harsh winter after years in the tropics proved to be a significant shock to the system for the returning traveler.

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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.