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sock it to

B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To really impress people or hit them hard with something you do.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To do something with great force, energy, or impact, especially in a performance or confrontation.

"The crowd was already cheering — all she had to do was go out there and sock it to them."

"Sock it to me!"

— Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, NBC, recurring catchphrase (1968–1973)
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To confront, attack, or criticize someone forcefully and directly.

"The defence lawyer really socked it to the prosecution's star witness."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Popularized by the US TV show 'Laugh-In' (1968), where the catchphrase 'sock it to me!' was iconic. Now often used to encourage someone to perform with full energy or to describe a powerful delivery. Somewhat dated but still recognized.

Commonly used with

audience crowd judge jury opponent voters

Forms

Base
sock it to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
socks it to
he/she/it
Past simple
socked it to
yesterday
Past participle
socked it to
have + pp
-ing form
socking it to
continuous

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Synonyms

give it your all blow away knock it out of the park nail it show them what you've got

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