1
general::
1. Astonish, overcome, as in Their resemblance completely knocked me over. [Mid-1800s] Also see KNOCK FOR A LOOP. 2. Steal or burgle, as in They knocked over one bank and headed for another. [Slang; 1920s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): knock over something
1. Sl. to steal something. (The over is usually before the object in this expression.) • The gang knocked over an armored car. • Some cheap crook knocked over a load of television sets. 2. Sl. to rob a place. (The over is usually before the object in this expression.) • Max knocked over two banks in one week. • He was the kind of punk who would try to knock over a filling station., Phrase(s): knock someone or something over
to push or strike someone or something, causing the person or the thing to fall. (See also knock over something; knock someone over (with a feather); knock something over.) • I am sorry. I didn’t mean to knock you over. Are you hurt? • Who knocked over this vase?, Phrase(s): knock someone over (with a feather)
Fig. to leave someone stunned or surprised by something extraordinary. (Fixed order.) • I was so surprised that you could have knocked me over with a feather. • Todd could have knocked me over with a feather when he told me his news., Phrase(s): knock something over
to tip something over. (See also knock over something.) • Someone knocked the chair over. • Who knocked over the flower pot?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs