返へん答とうに困こまる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be at a loss for an answer; not know how to respond

Used when someone is so surprised, embarrassed, or confused by a question or remark that they cannot think of a suitable reply.

• 突とつ然ぜんの質しつ問もんに、返へん答とうに困こまってしまった。

  I was at a loss for an answer to the sudden question.

• 彼かれの失しつ礼れいな発はつ言げんには返へん答とうに困こまる。

  I don't know how to respond to his rude remark.