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knock on

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To tap or hit a door to let people know you are there.

Literal meaning: To strike your knuckles on a surface.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To rap on a door or surface with the knuckles to attract attention or request entry.

"She knocked on the office door twice and waited for an answer before entering."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

In the phrase 'knock on wood': to touch wood as a superstitious gesture to avoid bad luck after saying something optimistic.

"We've had no accidents this year — knock on wood."

Usage notes

Primarily literal. 'Knock on wood' (North American) or 'touch wood' (British) is a separate fixed phrase meant to ward off bad luck. The adjective 'knock-on' (as in 'knock-on effect') is derived from the same base and means an indirect consequence. Rugby also uses 'knock-on' as a technical foul.

Commonly used with

door wood window wall table effect

Forms

Base
knock on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
knocks on
he/she/it
Past simple
knocked on
yesterday
Past participle
knocked on
have + pp
-ing form
knocking on
continuous

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Synonyms

tap on rap on bang on hammer on

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