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to knock the wind out of somebody
[knock|take] the wind out of {one's} sails
to knock the wind out of somebody
01
to do something, particularly something others do not expect, in order to make them feel less confident or important
![to [knock] the (wind|breath|stuffing) out of {sb} definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/42676/original/?type=jpeg "to [knock] the (wind|breath|stuffing) out of {sb} definition and meaning")
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "knock the wind out of someone" and when to use it?
The idiom "knock the wind out of someone" is used to describes a forceful impact or event that leaves a person stunned, breathless, or disheartened. The exact origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely comes from the concept of physical blows or impacts that can leave a person momentarily stunned or breathless.
Examples
The harsh review knocked the wind out of her.
