a shock to the/someone's system
idiom
: something that has a sudden and usually unpleasant effect on someone
The cold weather was a shock to my system after being in the tropics.
For freshmen, college life can be a real shock to the system.
Examples of a shock to the/someone's system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Considering that Jeanty’s worst game last year was 104 yards, the running back tally of 93 yards against the Bulls was a shock to the system.
—
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
On My Life With the Walter Boys, MacCormac steps into the role of Zach, who enters the scene like a shock to the system.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Devers trade was obviously a shock to the system and really unearthed a lot of the hard feelings that the Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman acquisitions seemed to smooth over.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025
For borrowers who weren't aware or couldn't make payments, it's been a shock to the system.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for a shock to the/someone's system
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Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
On My Life With the Walter Boys, MacCormac steps into the role of Zach, who enters the scene like a shock to the system.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Devers trade was obviously a shock to the system and really unearthed a lot of the hard feelings that the Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman acquisitions seemed to smooth over.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025
For borrowers who weren't aware or couldn't make payments, it's been a shock to the system.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for a shock to the/someone's system
Cite this Entry
“A shock to the/someone's system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20shock%20to%20the%2Fsomeone%27s%20system. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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