The idiom "knock 'em down" means to impress or defeat someone or something. It is often used to cheer someone on, compliment their performance, or celebrate their victory.

In short:

• It is used as a way of expressing one's own confidence, determination, or skill.

What Does "Knock 'Em Down" Mean?

The idiom "knock 'em down" has two primary meanings, depending on the context and tone.

• The first meaning is to impress someone or something with one's talent, skill, charm, or appearance. This can encourage someone to do their best, compliment someone on their achievement, or admire someone's attractiveness. For example, "You look amazing in that dress. Knock 'em down tonight!"
• The second meaning is to defeat someone or something in a competition, contest, or conflict. This can be used to express one's confidence, determination, or superiority or celebrate one's victory. For example, "She knocked 'em down in the courtroom. She won the case easily."

Where Does "Knock 'Em Down" Come From?

The idiom "knock 'em down" is believed to have originated in American vaudeville in the late 19th century. Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment that featured various acts such as comedy, music, dance, magic, and acrobatics. One of the ways that the performers would try to do this was by using physical wit and slapstick humor. They would often "knock each other down" on stage as part of their routine, causing laughter and applause from the audience.

The phrase "knock 'em down" evolved to mean any impressive or successful performance or action that would wow or beat the audience or the opponent. It also became a common way of cheering someone on or praising someone's achievement.

10 Examples of "Knock 'Em Down" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• She's a knock 'em down lawyer. She never loses a case.
• His impressive dance moves never fail to knock 'em down.
• When it comes to sales, she knows how to knock 'em down.
• She gave a powerful speech that indeed knocked 'em down.
• His sense of humor can knock 'em down in any social gathering.
• The chef's signature dish can knock 'em down with its deliciousness.
• You're a good singer. Go ahead and knock 'em down at the audition.
• He knocked 'em down with his jokes. He had everyone laughing so hard.
• We knocked 'em down in the quiz show. We answered all the questions correctly.
• Her determination and hard work will surely knock 'em down in the business world.

Examples of "Knock 'Em Down" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• In the movie Rocky (1976), Rocky Balboa is an underdog boxer who gets a chance to fight against the world champion Apollo Creed. His trainer, Mickey, tells him to "knock 'em down" before the fight, meaning to defeat his opponent and prove himself.
• The song "Knock' Em Down" by Sixteen Bones is a rock song from their self-titled album, released in 2014. The song is about fighting for survival and overcoming obstacles in life. The lyrics are aggressive and defiant, expressing the band's attitude and style. The music video reflects the song's theme: to "knock down" your enemies and never give up.
• In the book Knock 'Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide by Martin Yate (1985), the author uses the phrase as a title to suggest that his book will help readers impress and succeed in their job search and career.
• In the TV show Glee (2009-2015), Rachel Berry is a talented and ambitious singer who wants to be a star. She often uses the expression "knock 'em dead" to motivate herself and her friends before a performance or an audition.

Other Ways to Say "Knock 'Em Down"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

• Blow them away
• Sweep them off their feet
• Knock their socks off
• Wipe the floor with them
• Show them who's boss
• Make them eat dust
• Take them by storm

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Knock 'Em Down"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "knock 'em down" mean?

The idiom "knock 'em down" means to impress or defeat someone or something. It is often used to cheer someone on, compliment their performance, or celebrate their victory.

• What is the origin of the phrase "knock 'em down"?

The idiom "knock 'em down" is believed to have originated in American vaudeville in the late 19th century. The performers would often "knock each other down" on stage as part of their routine, causing laughter and applause from the audience.

• Is "knock 'em down" formal or informal?

The idiom "knock 'em down" is informal and colloquial. It is not appropriate for formal or academic writing or speech. It is more suitable for casual or friendly conversations, messages, or comments.

• Is "knock 'em down" positive or negative?
  

The idiom "knock 'em down" can be positive or negative, depending on the context and tone. It can be positive when used to encourage, compliment, or celebrate someone or something. It can be damaging when used to boast, taunt, or threaten someone or something.

• How do you pronounce "knock 'em down"?

The idiom "knock 'em down" is pronounced as /nɒk əm daʊn/. The apostrophe in "em" represents the missing sound of the letter "th" in "them." The stress is on the first syllable of "knock" and the second syllable of "down."

• What part of speech is "knock 'em down"?

The idiom "knock 'em down" is a verb phrase. It consists of the verb "knock," the object pronoun "them," and the adverb "down." It can be used as a transitive verb (with an object) or an intransitive verb (without a thing).

• What is the difference between "knock 'em down" and "knock 'em out"?

The idiom "knock 'em out" has a similar meaning to "knock 'em down," but it is more intense and extreme. It means to render someone unconscious or incapacitated with a blow or a shock. It can also mean to impress or astonish someone with performance or action.

• Can you use "knock 'em down" literally?

Yes, you can use "knock 'em down" literally to mean to make someone or something fall to the ground by hitting them. For example, "He knocked him down with a punch."

• Is "knock 'em down" always used in a competitive context?

While it is often used in competitive contexts, "knock 'em down" can also be used more broadly to describe overcoming obstacles or challenges in various aspects of life.

• Can "knock 'em down" be used in a team context?

Yes, "knock 'em down" can be used in a team context to describe a collective effort to defeat an opponent or achieve a common goal.

Final Thoughts About "Knock 'Em Down"

The idiom "knock 'em down" is a versatile and expressive way of saying that someone or something impresses or defeats someone or something else.

Some key points to remember about the idiom:

• It is informal and colloquial, not formal or academic.
• It can be positive or negative, depending on the context and tone.
• It is a verb phrase that can be used as a transitive or intransitive verb.
• It has many synonyms that have similar meanings.