knock down
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to hit someone or something with a person or vehicle so that they fall to the ground.
to strike or collide with a person or object, causing them to fall over or be thrown to the ground.
Simple“The cyclist was nearly knocked down by a car turning the corner too fast.”
In context“The pedestrian was knocked down by a delivery van, though fortunately the low speed of the impact prevented any life-threatening injuries.”
UsageSeparable; the object can sit between 'knock' and 'down'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to destroy a building or wall on purpose, often to build something new.
to demolish a structure or architectural feature completely.
Simple“They are going to knock down the old factory to make space for new houses.”
In context“The city council decided to knock down the derelict pier after engineers determined that the structural decay was beyond repair.”
UsageSeparable; often used in the passive voice when discussing urban development.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to lower the price of something, especially after a discussion or during a sale.
to reduce the price or cost of an item, often through negotiation or as a discount.
Simple“I managed to get the shopkeeper to knock down the price by twenty dollars.”
In context“After pointing out the minor scratches on the display model, she persuaded the manager to knock the price down further.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
to drink something very quickly, especially alcohol.
to consume a beverage, typically alcoholic, rapidly or in large quantities.
Simple“He knocked down two pints of beer before the food even arrived.”
In context“The celebrants were knocking down champagne at an impressive rate as the clock struck midnight.”
contrast with 'knock over' (to topple something) and 'knock out' (to defeat or render unconscious); all use 'knock' but with different particles and meanings.