knock the stuffing out of (one)
knock the stuffing out of (one)
1. To strike or assault one violently and severely. Likened to the cotton stuffing of a stuffed animal being knocked out of it by severe blows. Hey, watch it, pal, or I'll knock the stuffing out of you! Two guys mugged me and then knocked the stuffing out of me last night.
2. To lower one's confidence. Boy, that performance review really knocked the stuffing out of me—I just feel like I can't do anything right anymore.
See also: knock, of, out, stuffing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
knock the stuffing out of someone
If something knocks the stuffing out of someone, it destroys all their energy and self-confidence, and leaves them feeling weak and nervous. That second goal knocked the stuffing out of Chelsea and they seemed to give up. For a while the accident knocked the stuffing out of me, but I'm ready now and determined to get back and prove myself. Note: The verb take is sometimes used instead of knock. The drive from the airport always took the stuffing out of her.
See also: knock, of, out, someone, stuffing
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
knock (or take) the stuffing out of someone
severely impair someone's confidence or strength. informalSee also: knock, of, out, someone, stuffing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
knock the ˈstuffing out of somebody
(informal) make somebody feel weak, mentally and/or physically: When his wife left him, it seemed to knock the stuffing out of him. This flu has really knocked the stuffing out of me. Stuffing in this idiom refers to the soft material used to fill cushions, toys, etc.
See also: knock, of, out, somebody, stuffing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- knock the stuffing out of somebody
- knock the stuffing out of someone
- take the stuffing out of (one)
- beat the stuffing out of (someone)
- natural
- lick the stuffing out of
- lick the stuffing out of (one)
- kick the stuffing out of
- kick the stuffing out of (one)
- stuffing