"Don't knock it til you've tried it" is a common English expression that means one should not criticize or judge something without personal experience. It implies that one might be surprised or impressed by something that seems unappealing or strange at first glance.
In short:
- It is an idiom that means one should not criticize or judge something without trying it first.
- It suggests that one might discover something positive or valuable in something that appears negative or worthless.
- It is often used as friendly advice or a playful challenge to persuade someone to try something new or different.
The idiom "don't knock it til you've tried it" means: do not criticize or judge something you have not personally tried or experienced. It conveys that one should be open-minded and adventurous and not dismiss something based on superficial impressions or prejudices. On the other hand, it also implies that one might find something positive or valuable in something that seems negative or worthless.
The origin and history of the idiom "don't knock it til you've tried it" are unclear, but some sources suggest that it dates back to the early 20th century in America. In addition, it seems to have become popular in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in music and entertainment.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest recorded use of the word "knock" in the sense of "to criticize" is from 1916, in a slang dictionary by Albert Barrère and Charles G. Leland:
"Knock, To abuse; to find fault with; to disparage; to run down."
Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "don't knock it til you've tried it" in various sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:
The idiom "don't knock it til you've tried it" has been used in various forms of popular culture, such as movies, TV shows, songs, books, and comics.
Here are some examples of how this expression has been featured or referenced in pop culture:
There are some different ways to say "don't knock it til you've tried it" that convey similar meanings or messages.
Here are some of them:
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the idiom "don't knock it til you've tried it":
"Don't knock it til you've tried it" means one should not criticize or judge something without trying it first.
The origin and history of the idiom "don't knock it til you've tried it" are unclear, but some sources suggest that it dates back to the early 20th century in America.
Some synonyms for "don't knock it til you've tried it" are "give it a shot", "give it a go", "have an open mind about it", "be willing to try new things."
To use this idiom correctly, you must know its meaning, context, and tone. You must also ensure that this idiom fits the situation and the audience. It would help to use the correct grammar and punctuation when using this idiom in a sentence.
When you want to persuade someone to try something new or different that they might like or benefit from, when you want to challenge someone to try something that they are afraid or skeptical of, when you want to defend or promote something that you like or believe in that others might not understand or appreciate, and when you want to express your curiosity or adventurousness about something that others might find strange or unappealing.
When you want to discourage someone from trying something that is harmful, dangerous, illegal, immoral, or unethical; when you want to respect someone's preferences, choices, opinions, or beliefs that are different from yours; when you want to be polite, respectful, or diplomatic with someone who might be offended or annoyed by your suggestion or comment; and when you want to be serious, factual, or logical with someone who might not appreciate your humor or sarcasm.
Spanish: No digas de esta agua no beberé
French: Il ne faut pas dire fontaine je ne boirai pas de ton eau
German: Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben
Italian: Non dire gatto se non l'hai nel sacco
Common mistakes when using this idiom are: Using the wrong preposition, using the wrong verb tense, using the wrong word order, and using the incorrect spelling.
To remember this idiom, you can use some mnemonic devices, such as rhyme, acronym, or image.
Some variations are: Don't knock it before you try it, don't knock it if you haven't tried it, don't judge a book by its cover, don't yuck someone else's yum, and you never know until you try.
The idiom "don't knock it til you've tried it" is a valuable and versatile expression that can help us be more open-minded and adventurous. It can also allow us to avoid being too quick to judge or criticize something we have not experienced or understood.
Here are some key points to remember about the meaning of this idiom: