knock spots off somebody/something
knock (the) spots off (someone or something)
To completely outclass, outdo, or outperform someone or something; to soundly defeat or best someone or something. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Wow, this coffee knocks the spots off the stuff we get back home. Catherine knocked spots off the other kids in the spelling bee.
See also: knock, off, spot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
knock spots off
easily outdo. informalThis expression may refer to shooting out the pips (spots) on a playing card in a pistol-shooting competition. Although it is now found chiefly in British English, the phrase originated in America.
1997 Spectator [ Walter Laut Palmer's ] ‘Morning in Venice’ is a tour-de-force…It knocks spots off the neighbouring, deeply unattractive, Monet of a gondola.
See also: knock, off, spot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
knock ˈspots off somebody/something
(British English, informal) be very much better than somebody/something else: This book knocks spots of all the other books on Napoleon. You’ll knock spots off her. You’re a much better player.See also: knock, off, somebody, something, spot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- borak
- be/have done with somebody/something
- be in line with (someone or something)
- better of
- (someone or something) promises well
- begin with
- begin with (someone or something)
- bird has flown, the
- beware of
- beware of (someone or something)