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
But seeing Trouba in orange will be a shock to the system.
—
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Is the sci-fi adventure a shock to the system for critics?
—Tim Lammers, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
According to Macron, these rebukes and threats of noncooperation from the U.S. in the face of military danger felt like a shock to the system.
—Ailia Zehra, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for a shock to the/someone's system
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Eric Stephens, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Is the sci-fi adventure a shock to the system for critics?
—Tim Lammers, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
According to Macron, these rebukes and threats of noncooperation from the U.S. in the face of military danger felt like a shock to the system.
—Ailia Zehra, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2025
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
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 15 Apr. 2025.
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