a shock to the/someone's system
idiom
: something that has a sudden and usually unpleasant effect on someone
The cold weather was a shock to my system after being in the tropics.
For freshmen, college life can be a real shock to the system.
Examples of a shock to the/someone's system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Defeat by second-tier Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup was a shock to the system, but Slot’s team selection that day was that of a manager with bigger priorities, including a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United next month.
—
Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Dalia is now aged nine and, up until 2021, had little experience of shelter life, which would have no doubt made the change a shock to the system.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
The decision to end presidential endorsements served as a shock to the system of the Post, with the editorial board having already written an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Dec. 2024
Perhaps a shock to the system for some with 30 of the world’s top 50 having never played a competitive round at the Old Course.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for a shock to the/someone's system
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Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Dalia is now aged nine and, up until 2021, had little experience of shelter life, which would have no doubt made the change a shock to the system.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
The decision to end presidential endorsements served as a shock to the system of the Post, with the editorial board having already written an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Dec. 2024
Perhaps a shock to the system for some with 30 of the world’s top 50 having never played a competitive round at the Old Course.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for a shock to the/someone's system
Cite this Entry
“A shock to the/someone's system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20shock%20to%20the%2Fsomeone%27s%20system. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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