shock to the system
4
6.3
- idiom
:
shock al sistema
- For the employees, the management change was an unexpected shock to the system that altered their routine.
- a real shock to the system
- a great shock to the system
So it must have been an almighty shock to the system.
- So it must have been an almighty shock to the system.
- With that said, there are long histories of shocks to the system that lead to changes in the culture.
- And this is obviously a tremendous shock to the system.
- Yeah, I think so 'cause it's, it's, yeah, it's a, it's a shock to the system when you, you know, if you just, yeah, absolutely.
- That was something that I needed on my on my on my journey because that it was like a shock to the system, right?
Examples
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Moving to a new country can be a major shock to the system for many individuals.
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For most people, dying is a real shock to the system.
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It's a great shock to the system, I know.
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It's a shock to the system.
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The introduction of government programs, therefore, can be interpreted as a shock to the system that upset the balance between the family and the market.
Academic text (1997) -
It was a shock to the system to see how I was treated once I was pregnant and beginning to show.
Blog text (23) -
Returning on the 10th and being back in the saddle on the 11th is a pretty big shock to the system, in my experience.
Blog text (4) -
I have been in touch with Nora, so I knew Bill's death was imminent, but it still comes as a shock to the system.
Blog text (29) -
Coming from a small Florida home complete with a flamingo umbrella stand, New York decor can be a shock to the system.
Blog text (1) -
It may come as a shock to the system, but the upgrade treadmill requires you to start buying gear at full price, without discounts that tie you to retailers or carriers.
Blog text (15)
Synonyms
738
1.0
An event that happens suddenly and is not expected
567
2.3
A sudden strong feeling of surprise and distress after an unexpected event
22
5.3
An event or piece of news that surprises people very much
4
5.1
A sudden unexpected event that causes great shock
2
6.5
A sudden event that shocks people and is not expected
2
7.3
A sudden event that causes great harm or shock to plans and feelings
1
8.0
A sudden strong feeling of shock and disappointment from bad news
A sudden event that shocks or disappoints someone
A sudden feeling when something happens that you did not expect
How Shocking
- Specialized
304
4.8
4
6.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'shock' (sudden surprise/distress) and 'system' (a set of interacting parts) transparently suggest an impact on an organization or body, so a learner can reasonably infer a disruptive or surprising event. However, the expression is a metaphorical extension (system used figuratively) and the exact nuance of sudden, disruptive effect as an idiomatic reaction may not be fully predictable without prior exposure.
Etymology
The expression shock to the system comes from the picture of a machine or a body getting an electric shock that makes the whole system stop or act strangely. So we use it for a sudden, 'surprising' or 'disruptive' event that upsets the normal way things work.