throw (one) for a loss

throw (one) for a loss

To confuse, confound, or bewilder one. The end of that trick always throws the audience for a loss. I love watching their faces as they desperately try to figure it out. It really threw us for a loss when Olivia announced that she was leaving the company. I was really thrown for a loss when I saw how little progress the team had made so far.

See also: loss, throw

throw someone for a loss

to cause someone to be uncertain or confused. (Often passive.) The stress of being in front of so many people threw Ann for a loss. She forgot her speech. It was a difficult problem. I was thrown for a loss for an answer.

See also: loss, throw