1
general::
Phrase(s): knock something out
1. to create something hastily. • He knocked a few out as samples. • He knocked out a few of them quickly, just so we could see what they were going to look like. 2. Fig. to put something out of order; to make something inoperable. • The storm knocked the telephone system out. • The high winds will probably knock out electrical service all over town., Phrase(s): knock oneself out (to do something) (for someone or something)
to make a great effort to do something for someone or some group. (As if one had worked oneself into unconsciousness.) • I knocked myself out to plan this party for you! • She knocked herself out for us. • I don’t know why I knock myself out to do these things for you. You are not at all appreciative. • He knocked himself out to get there on time., Phrase(s): knock someone out
1. Lit. to knock someone unconscious. (Someone includes oneself.) • Fred knocked Mike out and left him there in the gutter. • Fred knocked out Mike. 2. Fig. to make someone unconsciousness. • The drug knocked her out quickly. • The powerful medicine knocked out the patient. 3. Fig. to surprise or please someone. • I have some news that will really knock you out. 4. Fig. to wear someone out; to exhaust someone. • All that exercise really knocked me out. • The day’s activities knocked the kids out and they went right to bed.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Also, knock out cold. Render unconscious by a blow or some other means. For example, It was just a swinging door, but it knocked her out, or Just one of those sleeping pills can knock you out cold. [Late 1500s] 2. Make tired, exhaust, as in That sightseeing tour knocked me out. 3. Render useless or inoperative, as in The storm knocked out the power. 4. See KNOCK OFF, def. 2. 5. See KNOCK ONESELF OUT.
American Heritage Idioms