What it means
Means being properly stunned or shaken by something, to the point you're left reeling a bit. You'd use it for bad news, a shock, or even a massive surprise that hits harder than expected. Very British, very cricket, and it carries that feeling of your brain getting walloped sideways.
Usage examples
"When the boss said the whole project was binned, it knocked me for six, so I nipped out for a fag and a strong brew."
"The news of the layoffs knocked everyone for six, nobody saw it coming."
"Finding out my ex is engaged knocked me for six, I just stood there holding my Tesco bag like a lemon."
"I knew the exam went badly, but seeing that mark still knocked me for six."
"That phone call proper knocked me for six, I just sat on the edge of the bed staring at the wall like my brain had missed the last bus."
Where it comes from
It comes from cricket. If a batter hits a six, they've absolutely launched the ball over the boundary on the full, proper maximum damage stuff. So when something knocks you for six, it lands with that same hefty whack and leaves you stunned, wobbly, or trying to get your head back online.
Other ways to say it
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