# knock the stuffing out of

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/knock-the-stuffing-out-of
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause (someone, a team) to lose energy and confidence.

## Examples

- That sudden loss really knocked the stuffing out of him.
- The team played well, but the early goal against them knocked the stuffing out of their confidence.
- The unexpected rejection of his research proposal knocked the stuffing out of his ambition, leaving him to question his entire career path.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.