lost for words


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lost for words

Unable to speak or articulate a coherent thought, typically because one is surprised or in shock. When I got the call that my straight-A-student daughter had been arrested for breaking into the school, I was lost for words. When I found out that my coworkers had taken a collection to help pay for my medical bills, I was lost for words.
See also: for, lost, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

lost for words

or

at a loss for words

COMMON If you are lost for words or at a loss for words, you are so amazed, shocked, or sad that you do not know what to say or how to express your feelings in words. She looked shocked and was, for a moment, lost for words. They were all waiting for me to say something. But for the first time in my life I felt at a loss for words. Note: You can also say that you are stuck for words. I was astonished to have been given the award — I was stuck for words.
See also: for, lost, word
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
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References in periodicals archive ?
Speaking after the visit, David said: "I was lost for words when Sam Warburton walked through my living room door!
That's Sam surprise as Wales hero plays fan's chauffeur
Locals have been left "lost for words" after the First World War tribute was destroyed
"Worthless cowards" decapitate World War I soldier memorial leaving it damaged beyond repair; The ruined silhouette was erected to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War
The post Greek village 'lost for words' over news of Texan teen gunman appeared first on Cyprus Mail .
Greek village 'lost for words' over news of Texan teen gunman
First-year referee Ryan Johnson came to the fore with the two controversial decisions and a visibly deflated Bishop said: "I'm lost for words at the moment.
Bishop: None of Wrexham cards were deserved
Lost for Words is a withering satire of the vicious, back-stabbing process out of which literary prize winners emerge, most particularly the process by which Britain's Man Booker Prizes are chosen, a process about which St.
Lost for Words
It was followed by Lost for Words, The Cat Who Came in from the Cold, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, Enough to Make a Cat Laugh and A Play On Words.
Deric Longden was born in [...]
Even her sober coach is lost for words when asked if she is staying off booze.
Oprah tells LiLo to 'cut the bull****' while filming new TV show
I'M not usually lost for words but, when my daughter Eve got married this summer, I was temporarily left speechless.
Summer's Eve defines my values
The council may believe they have won the day But in the future they may yet pay A hundred years of history they have sent down the drain Bowls may never be played in Heaton Park again History has finally taken its course For The Meldon bowling club it could not get any worse The bowlers are mostly lost for words To them it all seem so absurd No doubt we will find another bowling green But not half as beautiful as the Heaton Park scene G McLANDERS, Byker
[c]POEM OF THE DAY; Closing down
JERMAIN DEFOE admitted he was "lost for words" after scoring the goal which revived England'sWorld Cup hopes.
Defoe is living the dream after World Cup winner
VERDICT: Merritt is never Lost for words - or outlandish ideas.
classic
US secretary of state Hilary Clinton was temporarily lost for words after a Plaid Cymru aide asked her if America supported future Welsh independence.
WALES: Wales? I'd rather not interfere says stumped Clinton
Byline: It's not often you see Ricky Ponting lost for words. And it's not often you see him bowled first ball.
Cricket team bats for bushfire victims
Even Q would be lost for words at the latest attempt to stimulate the Midland housing market.
DB Des Res; THE BIRMINGHAM POST
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