hit someone 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
See also:
  • hit (one) 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
References in periodicals archive
"It's fine to make a mistake, if you're fully committed to trying to take someone on and hit someone for six over his head and you pick out long on, that happens.
What the Buttler saw with England is not the mentality needed to win