knock back
To drink something fast, to say no to someone's offer, or to cost someone a lot of money.
Meanings
To drink alcohol or a beverage quickly, often in one swift gulp.
"He knocked back three shots before anyone else had finished their first drink."
To reject or refuse someone's request, proposal, or romantic advance.
"She knocked back his invitation to dinner without any explanation."
To cost someone a substantial and often surprising amount of money.
"The car repairs knocked us back nearly a thousand pounds."
To shock or discourage someone; to affect someone negatively.
"The bad news really knocked her back — she didn't speak for the rest of the day."
Chiefly British English. Three main senses: (1) to drink alcohol quickly and in one go; (2) to reject a person romantically or professionally; (3) to cost a significant sum of money (often used in passive constructions: 'it knocked me back £500'). All senses are informal.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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