hit (one) for six

hit (one) for six

To upset or overwhelm someone, especially suddenly or unexpectedly. Primarily heard in UK. News of my father's sudden death completely hit me for six.
See also: hit, six
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hit (or knock) someone for six

affect someone very severely; utterly overwhelm someone. British informal
In this expression, six stands for six runs, referring to a hit in cricket which sends the ball clear over the boundary of the ground for a score of six runs.
See also: hit, six, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

hit/knock somebody/something for ˈsix

(British English)
1 (often of something unpleasant) surprise somebody a lot: It really hit me for six to find that my father had written about me in his book.
2 completely destroy a plan, an idea, a suggestion, etc.; knock somebody/something over/down: The stock market crash has hit the economy for six. Toby took a step backwards and knocked the vase for six.
In cricket, if you hit the ball a long distance you score six runs.
See also: hit, knock, six, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hit someone for six
  • hit/knock somebody/something for six
  • knock (one) for six
  • knock someone for six
  • pull the rug
  • pull the rug (out) from under (someone)
  • pull the rug from under
  • pull the rug from under someone/something
  • pull the rug out
  • pull the rug out from under