take a knock
take a knock (idiom)
/teɪk ə nɑk/
Meaning
- Suffer a setback or experience a decline in success, reputation or confidence.
- Be adversely affected by an event, leading to a reduction in reputation or well-being.
- To endure a financial loss or economic downturn.
- To receive a minor physical injury, often due to an impact, especially in sports contexts.
Example Sentences
- After the scandal, the politician’s reputation took a knock in the media.
- Their profits took a knock due to unexpected supply chain issues.
- The athlete took a knock to the knee but continued playing.
- Confidence in the project took a knock when the first results came back negative.
- The housing market took a knock following the interest rate hike.
Origin and History
The word “knock” comes from the Old English cnocian, meaning “to pound” or “to knock (on a door).” It’s thought to be of imitative origin, mimicking the sound of knocking. Over the centuries, the term has taken on several figurative meanings as well—one of which, “to deprecate” or “put down,” appeared around 1892.
Emergence of the Phrase “Take a Knock”
The idiom “take a knock” most likely developed from the literal idea of being hit or struck. Over time, it evolved into a figurative expression, used to describe facing difficulties, losses, or setbacks. While the exact moment of its first use remains unclear, it likely arose through everyday spoken English, where physical experiences are often used to describe emotional or situational hardships.
Earliest Printed Records
Pinpointing the earliest printed example of “take a knock” is tricky, as historical documentation is limited. Still, words involving “knock” have appeared in English literature for centuries. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth (1606), the famous porter scene features the repeated line: “Knock, knock! Who’s there?” Though this doesn’t use the idiom itself, it reflects how embedded the word has been in the language.
Australian and British Origins
One leading theory places the origin of the phrase in Australia. According to some slang references, it was in use by 1890 to describe personal rejection or reversal of fortune. A notable example appeared in The Dead Bird (Sydney), published on February 22, 1890:
“He ‘took the knock‘ to a good old tune when […] she really loved another.”
Here, the phrase clearly refers to a romantic disappointment.
Financial Contexts
In Australian slang, “take the knock” also came to mean suffering financial losses or failing to pay debts—especially in gambling or horse racing circles. By the early 1900s, it was commonly used to describe individuals or bookmakers who couldn’t meet their financial obligations. For instance, The Sun Times (Perth) reported on March 6, 1910:
“A certain English ‘captain’ who took the knock on one or two of our well-known bookmakers, and finally cleared back to England.”
In this case, the phrase is used to describe someone who defaulted on debts and fled.
Physical Injury Usage
In British sports, especially football (soccer), “take a knock” refers to a minor injury, like a bruise or light strain. It usually implies that the player will recover soon and is not seriously hurt. This usage highlights the phrase’s continued link to physical impact.
Possible Nautical Connections
Another theory suggests a nautical origin for the phrase. At sea, “knock” could describe a sudden blow—perhaps from bad weather or an accident on board. Sailors may have used the term for unexpected problems during a voyage. However, hard evidence supporting this link remains limited.
Evolution and Modern Usage
Over time, “take a knock” has broadened to cover all kinds of setbacks—from financial losses and reputational hits to emotional and physical injuries. Its flexibility has helped it stay relevant, especially in British and Australian English, where it continues to appear in everyday conversation and media. Whether someone’s portfolio has dropped, a relationship has ended, or a footballer limps off the field, the phrase captures the sense of enduring a blow—literal or figurative—and carrying on.
Synonyms
- take a hit
- face a setback
- suffer a blow
- lose ground
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