hit between the eyes

hit between the eyes  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To make a strong impression on; surprise greatly.
Helen hit Joe right between the eyes the moment he saw her.
It was a wonderfully lifelike picture, and it hit Sol right between the eyes.
To learn that his parents had endured poverty for his sake hit John between the eyes.
Categories: eye {informal} {v. phr.}