Knock somebody sideways
verb
To shock or surprise someone a lot.
The news of his death really knocked me sideways.
Often appears as...
- knocked me sideways
- news knocked her sideways
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To hit someone so hard that they move in a sideways direction.
The force of the punch knocked him sideways.
Often appears as...
- punch knocked him sideways
- blow knocked her sideways
verb
To shock or surprise someone a lot.
The news of his death really knocked me sideways.
Often appears as...
- knocked me sideways
- news knocked her sideways
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To hit someone so hard that they move in a sideways direction.
The force of the punch knocked him sideways.
Often appears as...
- punch knocked him sideways
- blow knocked her sideways
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
This phrase is metaphorical; it doesn't involve real physical movement. It describes a strong emotional impact.
Her victory in the competition knocked me sideways with pride.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Events
Use this phrase when something happens that is so surprising, it metaphorically 'hits' you.
Winning the lottery would knock anybody sideways.
Pro Tip 3/3Strong Reaction
It shows a significant reaction, not a mild surprise. Reserve it for big news or events.
The sudden breakup of the band knocked their fans sideways.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
This phrase is metaphorical; it doesn't involve real physical movement. It describes a strong emotional impact.
Her victory in the competition knocked me sideways with pride.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Events
Use this phrase when something happens that is so surprising, it metaphorically 'hits' you.
Winning the lottery would knock anybody sideways.
Pro Tip 3/3Strong Reaction
It shows a significant reaction, not a mild surprise. Reserve it for big news or events.
The sudden breakup of the band knocked their fans sideways.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
This phrase is metaphorical; it doesn't involve real physical movement. It describes a strong emotional impact.
Her victory in the competition knocked me sideways with pride.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Events
Use this phrase when something happens that is so surprising, it metaphorically 'hits' you.
Winning the lottery would knock anybody sideways.
Pro Tip 3/3Strong Reaction
It shows a significant reaction, not a mild surprise. Reserve it for big news or events.
The sudden breakup of the band knocked their fans sideways.
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