Idiom Analysis – Words Fail Me
@arthurchappell (44941)
Preston, England
October 2, 2015 7:23pm CST
The English phrase 'Words Fail Me' refers to events that are so unexpected or shocking or surprising that the observer is left speechless, unable to articulate or phrase any verbal response to what he or she has seen.
Someone comes home to find his or her partner in bed with someone else and just stands there gaping in disbelief as his life falls apart before his eyes. Someone else finds the children have played a game in the bathroom that has flooded the entire house. A surprise party is sprung on you, or a practical joke.
Eventually the power of speech returns after the initial shock wears off.
I don’t think I have ever been struck dumb by any phenomena or even big surprises sprung on me. Have you?
Arthur Chappell
2 people like this
4 responses
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
3 Oct 15
Being lost for words is usually a very temporary reaction. I'm sure lots of expletives would come to mind if nothing else in such extreme situations.
@allknowing (153544)
• India
3 Oct 15
Even as simple a thing as a new flower unexpectedly blooming in my garden can put me in such a situation
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
3 Oct 15
@allknowing I remember being overwhelmed by a sense of how big the universe must be one night while star-gazing which can be quite a profound moment of realization like that. I saw a man crying about the miracle of oranges once but he was very stoned.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
3 Oct 15
That's not one I have heard in use too often, but I understand the sentiment, I can remember hearing someone say, in horror often after they got over the mute horror point something like...I.....I....literally have no comment.....
1 person likes this
