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to surprise or impress someone greatly
What is the origin of the idiom "knock someone of one's feet" and when to use it?
The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the early 1900s. The phrase is likely a metaphor for the physical act of knocking someone over, which can be caused by a sudden and unexpected force. In the figurative sense, the idiom is used to describe something that is so impressive or surprising that it causes someone to be completely stunned or amazed. It is often used to describe a positive experience in everyday conversation as it is an informal idiom, however, it is not considered offensive or taboo, and it can be used in a variety of contexts
to overwhelm or defeat someone completely and unexpectedly
What is the origin of the idiom "knock someone of one's feet" and when to use it?
The idiom originated in the early 1900s and is believed to have come from the world of boxing. In boxing, when a fighter knocks their opponent off their feet, it signifies a decisive victory. This literal meaning of the phrase gradually changed to mean that someone was defeated badly or lost in a big way, even if it was not in a boxing match. The idiom is informal and has a wide range of applications, often used to describe a sudden and impactful event.
