Knock back
verb
To refuse or reject something or someone.
I was disappointed when the company knocked back my application.
Often appears as...
- knock back a proposal
- knock back an application
verb
To drink something quickly, often alcohol.
He knocked back his beer and ordered another one.
Often appears as...
- knock back a drink
- knock back a shot
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To cost a certain amount of money.
The repair work will knock me back about $1,000.
Often appears as...
- knock back a few hundred
- knock back a thousand
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
verb
To refuse or reject something or someone.
I was disappointed when the company knocked back my application.
Often appears as...
- knock back a proposal
- knock back an application
verb
To drink something quickly, often alcohol.
He knocked back his beer and ordered another one.
Often appears as...
- knock back a drink
- knock back a shot
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To cost a certain amount of money.
The repair work will knock me back about $1,000.
Often appears as...
- knock back a few hundred
- knock back a thousand
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Response
Use when someone turns down an opportunity or offer, often in a professional setting.
Despite our best efforts, the client knocked back our proposal.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Understand the disappointment that comes when something is knocked back, like a job application.
It stung a little when they knocked back my idea during the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Final
Sometimes, 'knock back' can mean a temporary refusal that may be reconsidered later.
They knocked back the offer, but they said they might revisit it next quarter.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Response
Use when someone turns down an opportunity or offer, often in a professional setting.
Despite our best efforts, the client knocked back our proposal.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Understand the disappointment that comes when something is knocked back, like a job application.
It stung a little when they knocked back my idea during the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Final
Sometimes, 'knock back' can mean a temporary refusal that may be reconsidered later.
They knocked back the offer, but they said they might revisit it next quarter.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Response
Use when someone turns down an opportunity or offer, often in a professional setting.
Despite our best efforts, the client knocked back our proposal.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Understand the disappointment that comes when something is knocked back, like a job application.
It stung a little when they knocked back my idea during the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Final
Sometimes, 'knock back' can mean a temporary refusal that may be reconsidered later.
They knocked back the offer, but they said they might revisit it next quarter.
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