Knock the stuffing out of somebody
phrase
To defeat or punish someone severely.
He threatened to knock the stuffing out of me if I didn't hand over the money.
Often appears as...
- beat and knock the stuffing out of somebody
- threaten to knock the stuffing out of somebody
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
The manager's harsh words knocked the stuffing out of our team.
Often appears as...
- the news knocked the stuffing out of somebody
- knocked the stuffing out of somebody's plans
phrase
To defeat or punish someone severely.
He threatened to knock the stuffing out of me if I didn't hand over the money.
Often appears as...
- beat and knock the stuffing out of somebody
- threaten to knock the stuffing out of somebody
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
The manager's harsh words knocked the stuffing out of our team.
Often appears as...
- the news knocked the stuffing out of somebody
- knocked the stuffing out of somebody's plans
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Confrontation
Often implies a threat or fear of physical violence.
The boxer boasted he'd knock the stuffing out of his opponent.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Beatdown
Can be used to describe non-physical defeat, like in games or debates.
She knocked the stuffing out of them in the chess tournament.
Pro Tip 3/3Overwhelming Victory
Implies a complete or resounding victory over someone else.
Our team is going to knock the stuffing out of the competition.
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