be lost for words

be lost for words

To be unable to speak or articulate a coherent thought, typically because one is surprised. When I got the call that my straight-A-student daughter had been arrested for breaking into the school, I was lost for words. When I found out that my coworkers had taken a collection to help pay for my medical bills, I was lost for words.
See also: lost, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

be lost (or at a loss) for words

be so surprised, confused, or upset that you cannot think what to say.
See also: lost, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

be lost for ˈwords

be so surprised, confused, etc. that you do not know what to say: When he told me what she’d done to him I was lost for words.
See also: lost, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • lost for words
  • at a loss for words
  • words fail me
  • any (one) worth (one's) salt
  • keel over
  • speak sense
  • talk sense
  • I'm speechless
  • real gone
  • young man