Somebody’s jaw dropped/fell/sagged
phrase
Expression used when someone is greatly surprised or shocked.
When she told him about the unexpected pregnancy, his jaw dropped.
Often appears as...
- his jaw dropped
- her jaw dropped
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Colloquial
phrase
Expression used when someone is deeply disappointed or discouraged.
His jaw sagged when he heard the bad news.
Often appears as...
- his jaw sagged
- her jaw sagged
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic, Colloquial
phrase
Expression used when someone is greatly surprised or shocked.
When she told him about the unexpected pregnancy, his jaw dropped.
Often appears as...
- his jaw dropped
- her jaw dropped
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Colloquial
phrase
Expression used when someone is deeply disappointed or discouraged.
His jaw sagged when he heard the bad news.
Often appears as...
- his jaw sagged
- her jaw sagged
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic, Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine the physical action to grasp the shock or surprise element.
At the magician's trick, her jaw dropped in amazement.
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration
It's often used to intensify a reaction, but the jaw doesn't literally drop.
When the winner was announced, his jaw dropped to the floor.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity
Use it to describe an emotional response, not a mild or indifferent reaction.
Seeing the proposal, her jaw dropped in astonishment.
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