1
general::
1. Take a break or rest from, stop, especially quit working. For example, He knocked off work at noon, or Let's knock off at five o'clock. [Colloquial; mid-1600s] Also see KNOCK IT OFF. 2. Also, knock out. Dispose of or produce easily or hastily, finish, as in A writer of detective novels, he knocks off a book a year, or We can knock out a rough drawing in a few minutes. The first colloquial usage dates from the early 1800s, the variant from the mid-1800s. 3. Get rid of, reduce, as in She knocked off twelve pounds in a month, or They knocked off one-third of the original price. [Colloquial; early 1800s] 4. Kill, murder, as in They decided to knock off the old lady. [Slang; early 1900s] Also see KNOCK SOMEONE'S BLOCK OFF. 5. Copy or imitate, especially without permission, as in They are knocking off designer Swiss watches and selling them for a few dollars. [Colloquial; late 1800s] 6. Hold up, rob, as in The gang knocked off two liquor stores in half an hour. [Slang; early 1900s] Also see KNOCK THE SOCKS OFF.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): knock something off (of) someone or something [and] knock something off
to remove something from someone or something by striking. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) • I knocked the hard hat off of Wally when I hit him accidentally with the ladder. • My elbow knocked off the book., Phrase(s): knock off (doing something)
to stop doing something. (See also knock off work.) • Knock off shoveling snow now, and come in for a hot drink. • I wish he would knock off practicing for a while., Phrase(s): knock someone off
Go to bump someone off., Phrase(s): knock something off
1. to manufacture or make something, especially in haste. • I’ll see if I can knock another one off before lunch. • They knocked off four window frames in an hour. 2. to knock off some amount from the price of something, lowering its price. • The store manager knocked 30 percent off the price of the coat. • Can’t you knock something off on this damaged item? 3. to copy or reproduce a product. • The manufacturer knocked off a famous designer’s coat. • They are well known for knocking off cheap versions of expensive watches. 4. Go to knock something off (of) someone or something., Phrase(s): knock off (work)
to quit work, for the day or for a break. • What time do you knock off work? • I knock off about five-thirty.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs