knock him down

USAGE SUMMARY

"knock him down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in many contexts, for example: The football player avoided being tackled by veering away, but a second rusher managed to knock him down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Women knock him down!

The New Yorker

Now everybody wants to knock him down".

The New York Times - Sports

You can knock him down, which damages his confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

His opponents failed to knock him down in 106 professional fights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If I knock him down, I'll stand back, give him a chance to breathe.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't knock him down.' I spent all those years with Robespierre and his asthma.

The Guardian

"The skinny guys use their legs to whip them out and knock him down," Mr. Singh said.

The New York Times

It's more like, 'Let's knock him down.' Putting hits on the quarterback is part of the job".

The New York Times - Sports

He has Farrell's iron core and the vision of a playmaker; knock him down and he gets straight back up.

The Guardian - Sport

The one professional opponent ever to knock him down was punched unconscious by Dawson two rounds later.

The New York Times

Jim Jeffries jump up an' hit Jack on the chin, An' then Jack knock him down agin.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knock him down" when you want to convey the idea of causing someone to fail or be defeated, either literally or figuratively. It's particularly effective in scenarios involving competition, challenges, or setbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "knock him down" in contexts where a gentler term would be more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound aggressive or insensitive, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Ensure your intent aligns with the forceful imagery of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knock him down" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression, conveying the idea of causing someone to fall either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It can also be used to express the idea of defeating someone in a competition or argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "knock him down" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of causing someone to fall or fail. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its use should be considered carefully in formal contexts. Alternatives include "defeat him" or "bring him low", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When considering a more formal tone it's recommended to replace it with "hinder his progress" or "overcome him". Understanding these nuances helps ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beat him

A straightforward term for winning against someone, lacking the metaphorical depth of the original phrase.

defeat him

Focuses directly on the act of winning against someone, removing the implication of a physical or metaphorical fall.

overcome him

Indicates success in dealing with an obstacle or opponent, highlighting the effort involved.

bring him low

Emphasizes the act of humiliation or causing someone to lose status, rather than just physical defeat.

take him down a peg

This idiom focuses on reducing someone's arrogance or self-importance.

discredit him

Aims to damage someone's reputation or credibility, rather than physically defeating them.

debunk him

Specifically refers to discrediting someone's arguments or ideas, making it suitable in intellectual contexts.

undermine him

Suggests weakening someone's position or authority gradually and subtly.

humiliate him

Highlights the emotional impact of defeat, focusing on causing shame or embarrassment.

overthrow him

Suggests removing someone from a position of power, often through forceful means.

FAQs

How can I use "knock him down" in a sentence?

You can use "knock him down" to describe a literal physical action, as in boxing, or metaphorically, to describe hindering someone's progress or success. For example, "The boxer aimed to knock him down in the first round" or "Critics tried to knock him down with harsh reviews".

What does "knock him down" mean?

The phrase "knock him down" can literally mean to cause someone to fall to the ground. Figuratively, it means to cause someone to fail, lose status, or be significantly hindered in their progress.

What can I say instead of "knock him down"?

You can use alternatives like "defeat him", "bring him low", or "overcome him" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "knock him down" in formal writing?

While "knock him down" is widely understood, its informal and somewhat aggressive tone might not be suitable for all formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "defeat him" or "hinder his progress" for a more professional tone.