be in for a shock

be in for a shock

To be guaranteed to receive or experience an unexpectedly jarring outcome, especially a negative one. If you think being a parent is easy, then you're in for a shock! Mary's been so sheltered all her life that she'll be in for a shock when she has to start paying her own bills. Ralph's been staying up till 4 AM every night? Well, he's in for a shock when he starts working again.

See also: for, shock

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.