hit someone for six: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hit someone for six’ mean?
The idiom "hit someone for six" means to completely shock or overwhelm someone, as if they were struck with great force and knocked down. It is often used to describe a situation or news that leaves someone stunned or emotionally affected.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "punch someone's lights out" means to punch someone so hard that they lose consciousness or their lights go out. It is a metaphorical way to describe a powerful punch that knocks someone unconscious.
The idiom "knock someone flat" means to cause someone to fall down or become unconscious by hitting them with great force.
The idiom "hurt someone's feelings" means to cause emotional pain or upset to someone by saying or doing something that offends or upsets them.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The idiom "hit one out of the ballpark" means to achieve outstanding success or accomplish something extremely impressive or remarkable.
The idiom "hit it big" means to achieve great success or win a large amount of money, often unexpectedly or after a long period of hard work.
The idiom "hit below one's weight" means to perform at a level that is lower than expected or below one's usual standards. It is often used to describe someone who is not meeting their full potential or underperforming in a particular situation.
Six Strikes
The idiom "hit someone for six" is a commonly used expression in British English. It has both a literal and figurative meaning.
In cricket, "hit someone for six" refers to a powerful shot that sends the ball out of the field and earns the batsman six runs. This usage dates back to the origins of cricket in England and is related to the game's scoring system.
Figuratively, "hit someone for six" means to surprise, shock, or overwhelm someone emotionally or mentally. It denotes a sudden and unexpected impact that leaves the person disoriented or unable to respond effectively. This figurative use of the phrase originated from the cricketing sense, drawing on the image of a powerful hit that leaves the opponent unable to recover.
When used in everyday conversation, the idiom "hit someone for six" describes situations or events that have a significant and unexpected impact on individuals. It expresses astonishment, disbelief, or the overwhelming nature of an experience. The idiom can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, news events, or even mundane situations.
This expression is strongly associated with disruption, destabilization, and the suddenness of change. It captures the feeling of being caught off guard or blindsided by circumstances, imparting a sense of vulnerability and powerlessness in the face of unforeseen events.
The idiom "hit someone for six" is widely used in British culture and has become integrated into the English lexicon. It is also known and understood outside of Britain, albeit to a lesser extent. As with many idioms, the familiarity and usage of this expression vary across different regions and social groups.
Despite its origins in cricket, the idiom "hit someone for six" has transcended its specific sporting context and acquired a broader meaning. It can convey a spectrum of emotions and reactions, making it a powerful tool for expression in various situations. The phrase serves as a reminder of the idiosyncrasies and richness of the English language, as well as the ways in which common cultural references can shape and enhance communication.
Related idioms to "hit someone for six" include "hit someone when they are down", "knock someone flat", "beat someone's brains out", "punch someone's lights out", and "hurt someone's feelings". These idioms all share a sense of causing harm or distress to someone in a vulnerable state.
"Hit someone when they are down" refers to taking advantage of someone's vulnerability or misfortune to cause further harm or difficulty.
"Knock someone flat" means to physically or emotionally defeat someone so thoroughly that they are completely overwhelmed or incapacitated.
"Beat someone's brains out" implies inflicting severe physical or mental damage on someone through relentless and brutal actions.
"Punch someone's lights out" signifies delivering a powerful and disabling blow, often resulting in the loss of consciousness.
"Hurt someone's feelings" suggests causing emotional pain or distress to someone through words or actions.
These idioms complement the concept of "hitting someone for six" by expanding on the notion of causing harm, distress, or overwhelming impact in different contexts. They highlight the various ways in which individuals can experience adversity and emotional or physical suffering.
Ultimately, the idiom "hit someone for six" encapsulates the human experience of being affected, surprised, or overwhelmed by unforeseen events. It highlights the capacity of language to capture complex emotions through vivid, metaphorical imagery. As idioms like this continue to evolve and adapt, they provide insight into the shared experiences and collective imagination of society.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hit someone for six" can be used in a sentence:
- Her sudden illness hit me for six and I had to cancel our vacation.
- The news of his job loss hit him for six and he was devastated.
- The unexpected death of his brother hit the entire family for six.
More "Cricket" idioms
