Definition & Meaning of "Knock the wind out of"

knock the wind out of sb

/nˈɒk ðə wˈɪnd bɹˈɛθ stˈʌfɪŋ ˌaʊtəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

/nˈɑːk ðə wˈɪnd bɹˈɛθ stˈʌfɪŋ ˌaʊɾəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

to knock the wind out of sb

PHRASE

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

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.