Not know what hit you

usgb
phrase

To be surprised or confused by a sudden, unexpected event.

When she told me she wanted a divorce, I didn't know what hit me.
Visual representation of "not know what hit you" - To be surprised or confused by a sudden, unexpected event.

Often appears as...

  • i didn't know what hit me
  • you won't know what hit you

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not know what hit you"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

This phrase often expresses a strong emotional response to something unexpected.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
After the surprise party, he didn't know what hit him.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sudden Change

Use this when something changes so suddenly that someone can't comprehend it immediately.

Illustration for Sudden Change
She won the lottery and truly didn’t know what hit her.
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Metaphorical Use

It's often used metaphorically to describe an event that isn't a physical impact.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The company merger happened overnight; the employees didn’t know what hit them.
Visual representation of the word "Not know what hit you"

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