knock back

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knock back (third-person singular simple present knocks back, present participle knocking back, simple past and past participle knocked back)

1. (transitive) To stun; to surprise.

   I was knocked back by the sheer size of the hall.

2. (transitive) To drink an alcoholic beverage swiftly or often.

   My friends were already knocking back drinks when I arrived at the bar.

3. (transitive) To push or strike someone or something backward with force.

   The impact of the collision knocked him back several feet.

4. (transitive) To withstand or endure a difficult situation or setback.

   Despite facing numerous challenges, she managed to knock them back and keep moving forward.

5. (transitive) To achieve a significant accomplishment or success.

   Their latest album really knocked it back and received critical acclaim.

6. (transitive, UK, Australia) To reject; to refuse.

   How many job seekers did you knock back today?

7. (transitive, baking) To press or knead (dough) so as to remove air bubbles.