be in for a (big/real) surprise

phrase

—used to say that someone will be very surprised by something

They are in for a (big/real) surprise when they come home.

Examples of be in for a (big/real) surprise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The details and volumes of deliveries are classified, so the Americans might be in for a surprise. — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

People visiting Seaside, Oregon, may be in for a surprise when heading to the shore. — Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Social Security checks will arrive on time this July — but some recipients may soon be in for a surprise. — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 30 June 2025

People visiting Southern Australia may be in for a surprise as mysterious foam and dead fish are washing ashore. — Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025

People visiting the Sunshine State may be in for a surprise as mysterious balls are washing ashore in South Florida. — Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025

Fans expecting the polished art and storytelling of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees may be in for a surprise, as Free for All is clearly the work of a much less experienced and confident cartoonist. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Those hoping for a drop-off in that intensity, given Uruguay have already qualified for the next round, may be in for a surprise. — Thom Harris, The Athletic, 1 July 2024