An EFL textbook for Japanese college students, written by a native speaker, has this sentence
"...Although he says he was floored by the news of the award, his students were not surprised at all..."
The author asks "What was his reaction to the news of the award?" and gives four choices: 1.he was embarrassed 2.he was proud of himself 3. ...sorry, I forgot,..... 4.he was very surprised.
Although I was not sure exactly what "be floored" implies, I thought the answer should be "4.he was very surprised," judging from the context.
But the answer given by the author is "1.he was embarrassed."
So please tell me, when you "are floored" by something, are you embarrassed rather than surprised?
2007-10-23 11:18:02 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
To "be floored" means to be surprised by something. I've never in all my years used that phrase to mean "embarrassed". It is very possible that the author made a mistake! The context of the sentence makes it clear that it means surprised as the friends are NOT surprised.
2007-10-23 11:27:47 · answer #1 · answered by TC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would agree with you. If you are floored by something, you are totally surprised.I think it comes from boxing, meaning literally to be knocked to the floor. Your judgement of the context is correct. Hope this helps.
2007-10-23 18:24:57 · answer #2 · answered by SKCave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are correct. "Floored" in this context means "surprised."
2007-10-23 18:26:34 · answer #3 · answered by Navigator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The author should be embarassed and I bet you were floored by his response.
2007-10-23 21:04:39 · answer #4 · answered by hwinnum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to be "floored" is to be shocked or surprised.
2007-10-23 18:23:09 · answer #5 · answered by huskerchica 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no floored is stunned not embarrassed
2007-10-23 18:26:05 · answer #6 · answered by worldstiti 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋