knock someone off

knock off

1. To cause something to fall off of a surface by striking or colliding with it, either intentionally or unintentionally. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "knock" and "off." That's the third time this week that I've knocked a glass off the counter. Please don't dance so close to the table, you'll knock off those papers.
2. slang To stop doing whatever one is doing. Often used as an imperative. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "knock" and "off," especially in the common phrase "knock it off." Knock it off, you two! I don't want to see any more fighting. I'm going to go tell those kids to knock off all the shouting.
3. slang To copy or imitate a work or good, often without consent. Whoever knocked off that designer handbag did a good job—you can barely tell the difference. He's made a career out of knocking off the classics.
4. slang To produce or complete something, usually with the main motivation of simply getting it done. If we can knock off a few more of these reports before the weekend, we'll be in good shape for next week. I'm just trying to knock off as many pages as possible so I can get up to the page count before the deadline.
5. slang To rob a physical location, such as a store, house, etc. The same guy has been knocking off convenience stores in the area, and police finally think they've identified him. You've got to be a fool to think you can knock off an ATM inside a police station.
6. slang To take a break or stop working for the day. I'm going to knock off around six. You want to meet me for dinner?
7. slang To murder someone. The mob has been knocking off every witness that has taken the stand, so now people are terrified to come forward.
8. slang To reduce a price by a certain amount. Can you knock off a few bucks for an old friend?
9. slang To defeat or eliminate from contention, as in a sports competition. Every year, some underdog knocks off a top-seeded team.
See also: knock, off
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

knock someone off

tv. to kill someone. (see also bump someone off.) The mob knocked the witnesses off.
See also: knock, off, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • back into
  • back into (someone or something)
  • angle
  • angling
  • orient
  • orient to
  • orient to (something)
  • fill in
  • fill out
  • spiffed up
References in periodicals archive
I've played football at every level, from Sunday league to international, and like many of you who turn out I know it's not easy to knock someone off the ball if they really don't want to be knocked off it.
Well done VAR, you're finally standing up for yourself
There's no reason why he can't knock someone off their perch, but it will be harder than some people might expect."
Teenager Rashford named in Engalnd's 26-man squad; ENGLAND FOOTBALL
MARCUS Rashford will be given the chance to "knock someone off their perch" after Roy Hodgson included the uncapped 18-year-old in an expanded 26-man squad for Euro 2016.
Rashford gets chance to ruffle a few feathers
By RORY DOLLARD MARCUS Rashford will be given the chance to "knock someone off their perch" after Roy Hodgson included the uncapped 18-year-old in an expanded 26-man squad for Euro 2016.
Rashford is urged to make mark; FOOTBALL
Within hours of hitting the streets, he gets caught up in a post office raid, propositioned by aging criminal Vernon Fitch (James Bolam) to knock someone off, and lectured by cop George (Hugh Quarshie), who doesn't like Nicky's friendship with daughter Noreen (Newton).
IT WAS AN ACCIDENT
Ideas are in the air, and imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery -- unless you deliberately knock someone off. Then people get angry, and they get even.
MASTER STROKES
An Environment Agency spokesman said just six inches of fast-flowing water is enough to knock someone off their feet and a mere cup-full can damage a vehicle's engine.
Flood-hit areas warned worse may be to come
Among the obvious dangers of flood water, the agency said that just six inches of fast-flowing water is enough to knock someone off their feet and a mere cup-full can damage a vehicle's engine.
Warnings as more severe weather is forecast
Hodgson has boldly chosen Manchester United's teenage sensation Marcus Rashford, claiming there is "no reason why he can't knock someone off their perch" when he names his final 23 for the tournament on May 28.
Boring old Roy? No, he's a bold, daring, gambler
Mr Slocombe said, 'I saw a guy knock someone off their feet.
Don't call us Hell's Grannies
e gck Hodgson has boldly chosen Manchester United's teenage sensation Marcus Rashford, claiming there is "no reason why he can't knock someone off their perch" when he names his final 23 for the tournament on May 28.
Boring old Roy? No, he's a bold, daring, gambler
For one sequence filmed on top of the Eurostar in Mission:Impossible, star and producer Tom Cruise wanted the wind effect to be so powerful it could knock someone off the train.
Your supper's burning
McNab revealed: "We'd sit in back rooms of restaurants or bars plotting jobs, hits, how to knock someone off.
Al Pacino asked me: Can you have sex with your wife after bumping someone off, Andy?; HOW THE SAS HERO TAUGHT STARS HOW TO TURN ON THE