Knock somebody/something into a cocked hat
verb
To outdo, surpass or defeat significantly.
Their new product knocked all its competitors into a cocked hat.
Often appears as...
- knock competitors into a cocked hat
- knock expectations into a cocked hat
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To cause disorder or ruin.
The unexpected problem knocked our plans into a cocked hat.
Often appears as...
- knock plans into a cocked hat
- knock life into a cocked hat
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To outdo, surpass or defeat significantly.
Their new product knocked all its competitors into a cocked hat.
Often appears as...
- knock competitors into a cocked hat
- knock expectations into a cocked hat
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To cause disorder or ruin.
The unexpected problem knocked our plans into a cocked hat.
Often appears as...
- knock plans into a cocked hat
- knock life into a cocked hat
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine outperforming others as tilting a hat awry, signifying a clear and noticeable victory.
Her science fair project knocked the others into a cocked hat, winning first prize.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Clothing
Understand the phrase comes from an old hat style, suggesting turning something askew which is akin to causing imbalance.
The new software knocked the traditional methods into a cocked hat.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Connotation
This phrase often conveys a sense of achievement or superiority in an endeavor or competition.
The athlete's record-breaking sprint knocked the world record into a cocked hat.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine outperforming others as tilting a hat awry, signifying a clear and noticeable victory.
Her science fair project knocked the others into a cocked hat, winning first prize.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Clothing
Understand the phrase comes from an old hat style, suggesting turning something askew which is akin to causing imbalance.
The new software knocked the traditional methods into a cocked hat.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Connotation
This phrase often conveys a sense of achievement or superiority in an endeavor or competition.
The athlete's record-breaking sprint knocked the world record into a cocked hat.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine outperforming others as tilting a hat awry, signifying a clear and noticeable victory.
Her science fair project knocked the others into a cocked hat, winning first prize.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Clothing
Understand the phrase comes from an old hat style, suggesting turning something askew which is akin to causing imbalance.
The new software knocked the traditional methods into a cocked hat.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Connotation
This phrase often conveys a sense of achievement or superiority in an endeavor or competition.
The athlete's record-breaking sprint knocked the world record into a cocked hat.
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