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Looking for expressive idioms for surprise or shock regarding a particular situation or moment? You are at the right place! Having an expressive vocabulary to express yourself and also adding flair to your English speaking skills is an art. Let’s explore some idioms to showcase your expression of surprise and shock effortlessly. Find the useful phrases or idioms for surprise and shock mentioned briefly below with meanings and suitable examples.
This Blog Includes:
7+ Best Idioms for Surprise
If you are looking for the idioms related to surprise, then the section below will help you to choose the correct one according to your need.
Spring Something On Someone
To tell or show someone something unexpectedly.
Example: They sprang a surprise test on us without any warning.
Also Read: Idioms to Express Success
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.
Jump Out of Your Skin
Used when someone is extremely shocked or startled.
Example: I almost jumped out of my skin when the balloon burst behind me.
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.
Drop a Bombshell
To 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.
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.
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.
Also Read: Every cloud has a silver lining
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.
7+ Best Idioms for Shock
Shock is a strong feeling, and it should be expressed with the right words. Here are the best idioms used to express shock.
Blow Someone’s Mind
The phrase is used to express astonishment or to greatly surprise someone.
Example: The magician’s tricks blew everyone’s mind during the show.
Take Someone Aback
To catch someone off guard or surprise them unexpectedly.
Example: The sudden resignation of the CEO took the entire company aback.
Knock Someone for a Loop
This idiom means to shock or confuse someone so much that they don’t know how to react.
Example: The sudden announcement knocked everyone for a loop.
Stop Someone in Their Tracks
This idiom means something is so surprising that it makes a person immediately stop what they’re doing.
Example: The strange noise stopped him in his tracks.
Make Someone’s Jaw Drop
Used when something is extremely shocking or unbelievable.
Example: The final plot twist made everyone’s jaw drop.
Leave Someone Speechless
Means to shock someone so much that they temporarily cannot speak.
Example: The breathtaking view left them speechless.
Hit Someone Like a Ton of Bricks
Refers to sudden, intense shock or realisation.
Example: The news of his selection hit him like a ton of bricks.
Under the Shock of It
Used when someone is still processing surprising or unexpected news.
Example: She was still in shock for hours after hearing the results.
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 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.
An idiomatic expression for shock is “jump out of your skin.” It is used when something startles or frightens you suddenly. People use it to describe moments of extreme and unexpected shock.
A useful phrase to express shock is “I couldn’t believe my eyes.” It is used when something is so surprising or unbelievable that a person needs a moment to process what happened.
This was all about the idioms for surprise and shock. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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