hit someone for six

idiom sport

The phrase 'hit someone for six' originates from cricket and is now commonly used idiomatically to describe a strong impact, whether physical or emotional.

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Definition

C1Cricket

(sports, technical)To score six points by hitting the ball over the boundary without it bouncing.

Example

He hit the ball for six, sending it flying out of the stadium.

B2General

(idiomatic)To shock or surprise someone greatly.

Example

The sudden news of his resignation hit everyone for six.

B2General

(idiomatic)To overwhelm or devastate someone emotionally or mentally.

Example

Losing his job hit him for six and left him feeling hopeless.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hit someone for six":

hit it for six hit a home run hit one out of the ballpark hit out hit with swing for the fences home run hit it knock into a cocked hat hit the ball twice grand slam hit and hope hit on