[Idiom] THROW SOMEONE FOR A LOOP. - Navigating Unexpected Twists: Managing Surprises
Throw someone for a loop.
surprise or confuse greatly
To 'Throw someone for a loop' is akin to tossing someone into an unexpected spiral, rendering them momentarily disoriented or stunned. This idiom comes from the world of aviation where a loop refers to an aerobatic maneuver involving a complete 360-degree turn in the vertical plane. Metaphorically, it describes situations where someone experiences something so surprising or confusing that it takes them a significant amount of time to understand or recover. It serves as a colorful way to express the shock or astonishment one might feel when confronted with unforeseen events or revelations.
Example Sentences
That news really threw me for a loop.
That news really surprised and confused me.
His unexpected decision threw her for a loop.
His unexpected decision surprised and confused her.
The announcement threw everyone for a loop.
The announcement surprised and confused everyone.