The idiom „hit/knock somebody for six” is a cricketing term that has now been widely adopted in everyday language to mean to surprise, shock, or greatly affect someone. It originates from the sport of cricket, where hitting the ball for six runs is a significant achievement and can shift the game’s momentum.
Example sentences:
1. The news of her resignation hit the team for six, as they hadn’t anticipated her leaving so suddenly.
2. The unexpected promotion knocked him for six, as he never imagined he would be chosen for the role.
3. The sudden announcement of budget cuts hit the employees for six, leaving them worried about their jobs.
4. Winning the prestigious award hit the young actress for six, as she had never expected such recognition.
5. The drastic change in weather conditions knocked the hikers for six, forcing them to reconsider their trekking plans.
In each of these examples, the idiom „hit/knock somebody for six” is used to convey the idea of a surprising or overwhelming impact on someone.