knock back
phr. v.. B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford
phr. v.. to refuse to accept something, often in a dismissive or abrupt way.
phr. v.. to reject or dismiss an offer, suggestion, or proposal; typically used in informal contexts to convey blunt refusal.
She knocked back his proposal during the meeting.
The landlord knocked back the tenant's request for a rent reduction.
The board knocked back the merger proposal, citing concerns over corporate culture.
- Particles
- back
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- knock + back + object
Usage
takes a direct object — the thing being rejected.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'turn down' (similar meaning but slightly less abrupt) and 'reject' (more formal); useful for teaching gradations of refusal.