Phrasal verb
knock out
Meanings
to make someone unconscious, especially by hitting them
to defeat someone decisively, especially in a sports match or competition
to produce something quickly and easily
Definition
To knock out means to make someone unconscious or to defeat someone decisively, especially in sports or competitions.
To knock out can mean to hit someone so they become unconscious. It can also mean to defeat an opponent completely, especially by a single decisive action in boxing or in a tournament. In everyday speech, it can also mean to produce something quickly, such as a plan or a piece of work.
Examples
- He got knocked out in the second round.
- Our team knocked out the defending champions last night.
- I can knock out a rough draft in an hour if I stay focused.
- She knocked out a quick dinner with whatever was in the fridge.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the meanings and say "knock out" for a normal win, but it usually implies a decisive defeat or making someone unconscious.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.