sock it to

Idioms and Phrases

Deliver a physical blow, forceful comment, or reprimand to, as in The judge often socks it to the jury in a murder case . This idiom uses sock in the sense of “strike hard.” It is also put as an imperative, as in Sock it to them, kid! or Sock it to me! , which is sometimes used to give encouragement but can also have sexual overtones. [Second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Part of that unusual formula included the show’s array of guest stars – including a bewildered Richard Nixon uttering the catchphrase “sock it to me” – and in 1970, a drummer named Ringo Starr.

From Salon

Now don’t ask me why it’s called “Sock It to Me” cake; some say it’s because when waitresses asked customers if they wanted a slice of cake, they’d respond, “Sock it to me!”

From Seattle Times

Burns’ Sock It to Me cake was by far my favorite.

From Seattle Times

Operation Nightwatch, a faith-based organization in Seattle that provides housing, free meals and street outreach, is hosting its annual “Sock it to Homelessness” sock drive from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

From Seattle Times

It was a play on words: the nickname and Hatoum’s last name sounding like “Sock it to him” when said together quickly.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• contend
• disagree
• dispute
• quarrel
• quibble
• squabble