lost for words
/ˌlɒst fə ˈwɜːdz/NEUTRAL · B2
Meaning
so surprised or moved that you cannot speak
Examples
- 1When they surprised me with a party, I was completely lost for words.
- 2For once, my chatty little brother was lost for words when he saw the snow.
- 3Maria was lost for words when her students gave her a card they had all signed.
- 4The choir sang so beautifully at the concert that we were all lost for words.
- 5Were you lost for words when Aisha told you she was moving to Canada?
Grammar
Use after be: I was lost for words. words stays plural.
More idioms about communication
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →clear the airto talk openly to end bad feelings between peoplespeak volumesto show something very clearly without wordsthe gift of the gabthe ability to talk easily and persuasivelybeat around the bushto avoid saying something directlycut to the chaseto talk about the most important thing without delayread between the linesto understand what someone means but does not say
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
Here you get a couple of questions. The app gives you 16 practice modes, native equivalents and spaced repetition that tells you when it’s time to refresh.
