Phrasal verb
knock back
Definition
phrasal verb. to refuse to accept something, often in a dismissive or abrupt way.
phrasal verb. to reject or dismiss an offer, suggestion, or proposal; typically used in informal contexts to convey blunt refusal.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“She knocked back his proposal during the meeting.”
contextual
“The landlord knocked back the tenant's request for a rent reduction.”
complex
“The board knocked back the merger proposal, citing concerns over corporate culture.”
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
knock + back + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/knock-back