Definition & Meaning of "Not know what hit"

not know what hit sb

/nˌɒt nˈəʊ wɒt hˈɪt ˌɛsbˈiː/

/nˌɑːt nˈoʊ wˌʌt hˈɪt ˌɛsbˈiː/

to not know what hit sb

PHRASE

to become extremely shocked or confused as a result of something undesirable that suddenly happens

to {not} [know] what [hit] {sb} definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "not know what hit someone" and when to use it?

The expression "not know what hit someone" is an idiom that means to be completely surprised, shocked, or overwhelmed by an unexpected event or situation. This phrase is often used to describe situations where something unexpected happens suddenly and leaves an individual disoriented or bewildered.