knock back

To drink something quickly, especially alcohol, or drink several alcoholic drinks.

• He knocked back his beer.
• They were knocking back shots at the bar.
• How many drinks did you knock back?

How to use it: knock back something (He knocked back a glass of whisky.)

Similar words: down, gulp down

Common phrases: knock back beer, knock back a drink

To make someone or something move backward by hitting or pushing them hard.

• The blast knocked him back.
• A strong wave knocked the boat back.
• The force of the collision knocked her back against the wall.

How to use it: knock someone/something back (The wave knocked us back several steps.)

Similar words: push back, drive back

Common phrases: knock someone back, knock something back

To refuse to accept a request, offer, idea, or person.

• They knocked back my application.
• Why did you knock her back?
• The bank keeps knocking back our requests.

How to use it: knock back someone/something (The council knocked back our proposal.)

Similar words: reject, turn down, refuse

Opposites: accept

Common phrases: knock back an offer, knock someone back

To surprise someone so much that they find it hard to react.

• The news knocked me back.
• We were knocked back by her unexpected generosity.
• The scale of the damage really knocked him back.

How to use it: be knocked back by something (I was knocked back by the size of the crowd.)

Similar words: stun, shock, surprise

Common phrases: knock someone back, knock back someone

To deal successfully with problems and continue despite them.

• She knocked back every setback.
• They kept knocking back challenges throughout the season.
• He knocked back those difficulties and continued his work.

How to use it: knock back something (She knocked back each setback and carried on.)

Similar words: overcome, get through

Common phrases: knock back setbacks, knock back challenges

To achieve an impressive success.

• The team really knocked it back.
• Her latest album knocked it back with critics.
• They knocked it back and won the top award.

Similar words: succeed, excel

Opposites: fail

Common phrases: really knock back, knock back successfully