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mugged by reality

Meaning: To experience a sudden, brutal confrontation with harsh truth after living in comfortable ignorance.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: The Absurd

Origin: The metaphor treats reality as an aggressor that physically attacks a person, shattering their illusions the way a mugging shatters a sense of safety.

More idioms — The Absurd

  • tenir du miracle — To be exceptional or extraordinary; to have a miraculous quality.
  • se mettre la rate au court-bouillon — To worry pointlessly and obsessively over something.
  • faire fureur — To provoke great enthusiasm or widespread popularity.
  • être victime de son succès — To suffer problems or difficulties that arise as a result of becoming too successful.
  • ne pas tourner rond — to be unwell or not functioning properly.
  • casser le nez à coups d’encensoir — To offer someone clumsy, exaggerated, and insincere flattery to their face.

More English idioms

  • plow the sands — To expend great effort on something completely futile or worthless.
  • loaded for bear — Fully prepared and equipped, mentally and materially, to face a difficult challenge or co…
  • have someone's guts for garters — To punish someone severely, especially with angry or violent reprimand.
  • spin one's wheels — To work hard without making any real progress toward a goal.
  • Lord willing and the creek don't rise — Used to express contingency on circumstances beyond one's control, especially minor natur…
  • until the cows come home — For an indefinitely long time; forever or seemingly forever.

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