struck silent

[Mickys]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #776 "Surprise Idioms (1)", question 6

I was struck ......... when I heard my new co-worker yell at our CEO. He was fired that same day.

(a) stupid
(b) down
(c) silent
(d) dumb

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #776 "Surprise Idioms (1)", answer 6

I was struck dumb when I heard my new co-worker yell at our CEO. He was fired that same day.

Correct answer: (d) dumb

Your answer was: incorrect
I was struck silent when I heard my new co-worker yell at our CEO. He was fired that same day.
_________________________

Is "struck silent" wrong or just not idiomatic? Can I say "became silent/was speechless" instead of "was struck silent"?

[Beeesneees]

'struck silent' is wrong. Your other suggestions are fine.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Our Tort System]

Hello Bev,

Are "to be dumb-struck" and "to be struck dumb" synonymous?

Thanks!
_________________
"He who tries to establish his point by much yelling shows that his reasoning is weak"
-Jodi Ann Arias

[Beeesneees]

Yes, so shocked or surprised that one is unable to speak.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Our Tort System]

Thanks,

Though it's unclear who was given the pink slip: the CEO or the co-worker. (10 bucks says it was the CEO) :)
_________________
"He who tries to establish his point by much yelling shows that his reasoning is weak"
-Jodi Ann Arias

[Beeesneees]

Yes - it is the CEO who got fired looking at that.
I'll change it.

_____
edit: Done, thanks.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett