Knock/throw somebody for a loop

phrase

To shock or surprise someone greatly.

The sudden news of her resignation knocked everyone for a loop
Visual representation of "knock/throw somebody for a loop" - To shock or surprise someone greatly

Often appears as...

  • the news knocked me for a loop
  • his comment threw her for a loop

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrase

To defeat or overthrow someone in competition.

The novice pitcher threw the game's best hitter for a loop
Visual representation of "knock/throw somebody for a loop" - To defeat or overthrow someone in competition

Often appears as...

  • the game threw him for a loop
  • the competitor knocked her for a loop

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrase

To shock or surprise someone greatly.

The sudden news of her resignation knocked everyone for a loop
Visual representation of "knock/throw somebody for a loop" - To shock or surprise someone greatly

Often appears as...

  • the news knocked me for a loop
  • his comment threw her for a loop

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrase

To defeat or overthrow someone in competition.

The novice pitcher threw the game's best hitter for a loop
Visual representation of "knock/throw somebody for a loop" - To defeat or overthrow someone in competition

Often appears as...

  • the game threw him for a loop
  • the competitor knocked her for a loop

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "knock/throw somebody for a loop"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Surprise

Use this when someone is taken aback by an unforeseen event or information.

Illustration for Unexpected Surprise
When I won the lottery, it really knocked my family for a loop.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasized Reaction

This phrase adds intensity to the reaction, more than just being surprised.

Illustration for Emphasized Reaction
His sudden marriage proposal threw her for a loop.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Expression

Best used in informal situations like conversations with friends.

Illustration for Casual Expression
Hearing her sing for the first time knocked us for a loop.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Surprise

Use this when someone is taken aback by an unforeseen event or information.

Illustration for Unexpected Surprise
When I won the lottery, it really knocked my family for a loop.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasized Reaction

This phrase adds intensity to the reaction, more than just being surprised.

Illustration for Emphasized Reaction
His sudden marriage proposal threw her for a loop.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Expression

Best used in informal situations like conversations with friends.

Illustration for Casual Expression
Hearing her sing for the first time knocked us for a loop.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Surprise

Use this when someone is taken aback by an unforeseen event or information.

Illustration for Unexpected Surprise
When I won the lottery, it really knocked my family for a loop.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasized Reaction

This phrase adds intensity to the reaction, more than just being surprised.

Illustration for Emphasized Reaction
His sudden marriage proposal threw her for a loop.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Expression

Best used in informal situations like conversations with friends.

Illustration for Casual Expression
Hearing her sing for the first time knocked us for a loop.
Visual representation of the word "Knock/throw somebody for a loop"

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