knock the socks off

knock the socks off (someone or something)

1. To thoroughly impress, overwhelm, or excite someone. The show of support from everyone just knocked the socks off me. Apparently that movie really knocked the socks off Tim—he's been raving about it since he came home.
2. To completely outclass, outdo, or outperform someone or something; to soundly defeat or best someone or something. Wow, this coffee knocks the socks off the stuff we get back home. Catherine knocked the socks off the other kids in the spelling bee.
See also: knock, off, sock
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

knock the socks off

Also knock someone's socks off.
1. Overwhelm, bedazzle, or amaze someone, as in The young pianist knocked the socks off of the judges, or That display will knock their socks off. [Slang; mid-1800s]
2. Also, knock the spots off. Surpass or outdo completely, defeat. For example, These large chains have been knocking the socks off the small independent grocers, or Our team knocked the spots off them. The spots most likely allude to target practice with playing cards where the object is to shoot through all the pips, spots, or marks indicating the suit or numerical value of a playing card, but one authority holds that they were used in a horse-breeding context and meant "to be in the vanguard." [Mid-1800s]
See also: knock, off, sock
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • knock the socks off (someone or something)
  • knock the socks off someone
  • knock (one's) socks off
  • knock socks off
  • knock someone's socks off
  • off someone's feet
  • knock (one) off (one's) feet
  • blow/knock somebody's socks off
  • blow (one's) socks off
  • blow someone’s mind
References in periodicals archive
Summary: New Delhi [India], Apr 16 (ANI): Meghna Gulzar's directorial venture 'Raazi' has already knock the socks off as the movie is the fusion of love, hatred and suspense.
Alia looks promising as daughter, wife, spy in new Raazi poster
This sweet girl from Widnes has a voice that could knock the socks off most singers twice her age.
Snipers are just jealous of BGT Beau
We were full of plans and intentions to knock the socks off everyone with examples of the caring services that Butterwick provides in our region, but instead we had the wind knocked out of our sails with the sad news of Mary Butterwick's death.
Losing Mary knocked the wind from our sails
With bag loads of talent, he could knock the socks off a good many musicians.
Headliner with bags of talent; SETH LAKEMAN Birmingham Symphony Hall
Yes, you heard us right, Cardiff's first microbrewery opens on Westgate Street this Friday, bringing with it a trend the owners say will knock the socks off wine-tasting.
This week we'll be mostly..
TNS - short for The New Saints - were hoping to knock the socks off opponents Finnish team MyPa-47 in the qualifying game of the UEFA Champions League.
WALES: Tots' socks for team
The singer kicked off her two-month jaunt around America this week - and showed when it comes to sex appeal she can knock the socks off sister Jessica.
the Razz: ASH ON FIRE TO PROVE SHE'S THE SEXIEST SIMPSON
The team is coming out of the Fartown pavilion on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, 1952 to knock the socks off Broad Oak in the Sykes Cup semi-final.
Honley triumph on a great batting wicket
You will knock the socks off any competition that gets in your way
Psychic postbag
And I've come up with some that would knock the socks off a gaucho.
Wine: News
I was going to knock the socks off my speech therapist.
2004 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: one step at a time
CHELSEA chairman Ken Bates has promised the new Wembley Stadium will 'knock the socks off' the best grounds in the world.
FOOTBALL: BATES: NEW WEMBLEY IS FANTASTIC
He claimed: ``When we open in 2006, it will knock the socks off the rest of the world.''
BATES IN STADIUM SHOCKER
It is a not a recording to wow an audiophile or knock the socks off a neophyte; it is just a large ensemble of players performing in your living room.
Milhaud: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4. Alun Francis, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Basel. CPO 999 539-2
Summary: New Delhi [India], Apr 09 (ANI): Alia Bhatt is all set to knock the socks off as 'Sehmat' in her latest venture, 'Raazi'.
'Raazi' - A daughter, wife, and much more