IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englishmugged by reality
Meaning: To experience a sudden, brutal confrontation with harsh truth after living in comfortable ignorance.
Example: “He thought owning a restaurant would be fun until he was mugged by reality in the first month.”
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 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.
- 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.
- land in someone's lap Something desirable comes to someone without effort or expectation on their part.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Es un/una pesado/a A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
- Más terco/a que una mula Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
- Pareces un pulpo en un garaje You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…
Keep exploring