knock your socks off
Meaning
To impress or amaze someone greatly; to wow them.
Origin
A hyperbolic, humorous image: something is so astonishing it metaphorically knocks a person’s socks off. It became common in American English in the mid-20th century and spread widely.
Notes
Casual, enthusiastic praise. Often used for performances, food, designs, or surprises; slightly hyperbolic.
Examples
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Her live performance will knock your socks off.
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Wait until you try this dessert—it’ll knock your socks off.
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The new graphics card is so fast it’ll knock your socks off.
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Their customer service knocked my socks off.
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We need a presentation that knocks their socks off.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “X knocked my socks off” / “It’ll knock your socks off.” Pronouns vary (my/your/his/her). Often with “really/totally.”
Synonyms
- wow
- amaze
- astound
- blow someone away
- impress the hell out of someone
Antonyms
- underwhelm
- bore
- leave someone unimpressed