Knock over with a feather meaning

The phrase "knock over with a feather" means to shock or surprise someone greatly.


Knock over with a feather definitions

Word backwards kconk revo htiw a rehtaef
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "knock" in the phrase "knock over with a feather" is a verb. In this context, "knock" is the action being performed on the subject "feather."
Syllabic division knock/over/with/a/feather
Plural There is no specific plural for the phrase "knock over with a feather" as it is an expression and not a concrete noun.
Total letters 21
Vogais (4) o,e,i,a
Consonants (9) k,n,c,v,r,w,t,h,f

Knock over with a feather is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone is extremely shocked or surprised by something unexpected. The phrase is often used to emphasize the level of astonishment or disbelief felt by an individual in a particular moment.

Origin of the Phrase

The origin of the expression "knock over with a feather" dates back to the late 18th century. Feathers are lightweight and delicate, making it improbable that they could knock someone over. Thus, the phrase highlights the idea of being so surprised that even the slightest touch or gentle force could cause someone to lose their balance.

Usage in Everyday Language

People use the phrase "knock over with a feather" in various contexts to convey a sense of being caught off guard by unexpected news, events, or outcomes. It is a colorful way to express a high level of surprise, often accompanied by a feeling of disbelief or incredulity.

Similar Expressions

There are several other idiomatic expressions that convey a similar meaning to "knock over with a feather." Some examples include "blow someone's mind," "take aback," "rock someone's world," and "bowl someone over." These phrases all serve to illustrate the powerful impact of surprising information or events.

In conclusion, the phrase "knock over with a feather" is a vivid and expressive way to describe a moment of extreme shock or surprise. Its roots lie in the imagery of a lightweight feather causing someone to topple over due to the sheer unexpectedness of the situation.


Knock over with a feather Examples

  1. I was so startled, you could have knocked me over with a feather.
  2. When she won the award, she looked as if she had been knocked over with a feather.
  3. His jaw dropped in shock, as if he had been knocked over with a feather.
  4. The surprise announcement left the audience feeling like they had been knocked over with a feather.
  5. When he heard the news, he was so surprised he could have been knocked over with a feather.
  6. The unexpected turn of events left everyone as stunned as if they had been knocked over with a feather.
  7. She was so shocked by the revelation that she felt like she had been knocked over with a feather.
  8. The incredible outcome of the game left the fans feeling like they had been knocked over with a feather.
  9. When he saw the enormous cake, he was in such disbelief that he felt like he had been knocked over with a feather.
  10. The news of her promotion was so unexpected that it felt like being knocked over with a feather.


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  • Updated 08/04/2024 - 00:27:04