Looking for expressive idioms for surprise regarding a particular situation or moment? You are at the right place! Having an expansive vocabulary to express yourself and also adding a flair to your English speaking skills is an art. Let’s explore some idioms to showcase your expression of surprise effortlessly. Find the useful phrases or idioms for surprise mentioned briefly below with meanings and suitable examples.
This Blog Includes:
1. Blow Someone’s Mind
The phrase is used to express astonishment or greatly surprise someone.
Example: The magician’s tricks blew everyone’s mind during the show.
Also Read: Idioms to Express Success
2. Knock Someone’s Socks Off
The idiom is used to amaze or impress someone to the point of astonishment.
Example: The new restaurant’s food quality and service knocked our socks off.
3. Take Someone Aback
To catch someone off guard or surprise them unexpectedly.
Example: The sudden resignation of the CEO took the entire company aback.
Also Read: Rock the Boat
4. Out of The Blue
Out of the blue phrase is used when something happens suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example: She received a job offer out of the blue from a company she hadn’t applied to.
5. Drop a Bombshell
Drop a bombshell means to reveal shocking or surprising news or information.
Example: The CEO dropped a bombshell during the meeting, announcing a major restructuring.
6. In the Blink of an Eye
In the blink of an eye can be used when something happens very quickly or suddenly
Example: The car accident happened in the blink of an eye, and nobody saw it coming.
Also Read: Every cloud has a silver lining
7. Rip the Rug Out from Under Someone
To suddenly surprise or shock someone by taking away support or stability.
Example: The company’s decision to close down the department ripped the rug out from under many employees.
8. Dumbfounded
The idiom means to leave someone speechless or unable to respond due to shock or surprise.
Example: The astonishing magic trick left the audience dumbfounded.
Remember, idioms are expressions that convey figurative meaning and are not meant to be taken literally. They add colour and vividness to our language, making it more expressive and fun to use.
FAQs
Some of the best idioms for pleasant surprises are ‘out of the blue’ and ‘a day maker’.
A few popular idioms about unexpected things with varying degrees of positivity are ‘out of the left field’ and ‘a bolt from the blue’.
Some of the most commonly used metaphors for surprise are “Surprise as a physical force”, for example, I was floored by the news. Another metaphor is “Surprise as a container bursting open” For instance, I just came apart at the seams.
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To read more about idioms you can check our page at Leverage Edu.