knock over

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Sure! Let’s break down the phrase “knock over” in an easy-to-understand way.

Definition

“Knock over” is a verb phrase that means to cause something to fall down or tip over from its normal upright position. It often involves accidentally making something fall.

Usage Instructions

You can use “knock over” when you want to describe an action where something is pushed or hit so that it falls. It’s often used in informal situations.

Examples

1. Simple Example: The cat knocked over the flower vase. (Here, the cat caused the vase to fall.)
2. Another Example: The clumsy customer knocked over the vase in the store. (The customer accidentally made the vase fall.)
3. Additional Example: He knocked over his beer while reaching for the chips. (He caused his beer to fall.)

Advanced Usage

• You can use “knock over” in different tenses. For example:
  • Past tense: “She knocked over the cup yesterday.”
  • Future tense: “Be careful! You might knock over that lamp.”

Word Variants

1. Knocked Over: This is the past tense of “knock over.”
2. Knocking Over: This is the present participle, used for ongoing actions.

Different Meanings

“Knock over” can also be used in a more figurative sense: - To knock over someone can mean to defeat them easily in a competition or argument.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for “knock over” include: - Tip over: This is very similar in meaning. For example, “He tipped over the box.” - Topple: To fall or cause to fall. For example, “The wind toppled the statue.”

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

“Knock over” is a phrasal verb because it combines a verb (“knock”) with a preposition (“over”). - There aren’t many idioms directly related to “knock over,” but you might hear phrases like “knock it off,” which means to stop doing something annoying.

Summary

In summary, “knock over” means to make something fall or tip over. You can use it in many situations, especially when talking about accidents. Just remember to use it when referring to objects that are upright or standing normally.

Academic

Verb

1. cause to overturn from an upright or normal position
   • The cat knocked over the flower vase
   • the clumsy customer turned over the vase
   • he tumped over his beer

Synonyms

• overturn
• tip over
• turn over
• upset
• bowl over
• tump over