The news of the layoffs hit the employees like a ton of bricks.
shocked the
Frequency:
50
%
The scandal shocked the entire community.
scared the
Frequency:
45
%
The ghost story scared the children at the campfire.
startled the
Frequency:
40
%
The sudden noise startled the sleeping cat.
Idiomatic Expressions for bejesus
Phrase: beat/knock the bejesus out of someone
Meaning: to severely beat or defeat someone
Usage: The boxer knocked the bejesus out of his opponent in the ring.