English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Knock out
Meaning
The idiom "knock out" means to defeat or render someone incapable of performing a task, usually due to injury or illness. It can also mean to eliminate or remove something completely.
Usage
- After the boxing match, the referee declared the opponent knocked out by the defending champion's punch.
- The sudden power outage in the city caused chaos and disrupted essential services for many people.
- The new CEO's innovative ideas and strategies turned around the company's financial losses within a year.
- The pandemic has knocked out millions of people worldwide, leading to significant changes in lifestyle and social behavior.
- In her art exhibit, the artist showcased a series of paintings that knocked out viewers with their vibrant colors and bold strokes. The usage of "knock out" can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a positive or negative way to describe a situation or person. For example, "knocked out" can be seen as a positive outcome in a competition or event, but it can also indicate a negative impact on someone's health or well-being.
Roots and History
The idiom "knock out" is believed to have originated from the boxing world where a fighter could defeat his opponent by delivering a powerful punch that knocked them out cold. The phrase evolved over time to mean any situation that rendered someone incapable of performing a task or caused significant disruption or damage. There are no known regional variations of this idiom.
Synonyms in English
- Defeated, knocked down, put out of commission, out for the count.
- Disrupted, upset, thrown off, disrupted.
- Turned around, saved, revived, brought back from the brink.
- Devastated, destroyed, wiped out, laid low.
- Subdued, knocked out, stunned, incapacitated.
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "éliminer" - To eliminate or remove something completely.
- Spanish: "destruir" - To destroy or damage greatly.
- German: "verwüsten" - To devastate or destroy.
- Italian: "distruggere" - To destroy or damage greatly.
- Japanese: "壊れる" - To destroy or damage something.