knock back

verb

1. informal.
   to drink, esp quickly
2. informal.
   to cost
3. slang.
   to reject or refuse

   you cannot possibly knock back such an offer

4. slang.
   to come as an unpleasant surprise to; disconcert

noun

1. slang.
   a refusal or rejection
2. slang:prison.
   failure to obtain parole

Idioms and Phrases

Also, knock it back . Gulp down an alcoholic beverage, as in He knocked back glass after glass of wine , or I hear you've been knocking it back a bit . [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Yu recalled being “knocked back” by the emotional weight — and the tears — that Yang delivered in his audition.

From Los Angeles Times

Rarely has there been a riper and more luscious target than Trump as he is now – knocked back on his heels, unsure of how to attack Harris or Walz.

From Salon

I opened the overhead bin to grab my carry-on bag, and I was nearly knocked back in my seat by a guy who was barreling toward the front without even an “excuse me.”

From Seattle Times

Midway through the first half, she was featured on the big screen inside the stadium and promptly knocked back her drink, albeit to a mixed reaction from a crowd dominated by 49ers' fans.

From BBC

Fewer people regularly use flour than knock back cold ones.

From Salon

Related Words

• carouse
• gobble
• imbibe
• quaff
• slosh
• swig
• swill