
IdiomDaily Life
English
be lost for words
Meaning: To be so surprised or moved that one cannot speak.
Example: “When they brought out the cake, she was lost for words.”
Origin: The words one needs have gone missing. The phrase, and "at a loss for words," are common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Dutch: Met de mond vol tanden staan Literally: To stand with your mouth full of teeth
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- fight fire with fire To respond to an attack with the same methods.
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