knocking for a loop
phrase
1
as in appalling
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
When word spread about their coworker's tragic accident, it knocked them for a loop.
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Relevance
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2
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
She was knocked for a loop when she heard she got three job offers in one week.
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3
as in stunning
to make senseless or dizzy by a blow
She was knocked for a loop by the impact of the airbag when it deployed.
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4
as in defeating
to achieve a victory over
The boxer really knocked his opponent for a loop.
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Cite this Entry
“Knocking for a loop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20for%20a%20loop. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
