knock in
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle in
Meanings
Hit something so it goes into a surface
Why “in”? A person or thing enters or remains within a space, limit, activity, or feeling.
“Knock the nails in firmly.”
“Knock the peg in with a hammer.”
Don't confuse with
Knock in means hit something so it goes into a surface. Knock out means hit someone so they cannot stay awake.
Test yourself
“Knock the nails in firmly.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
knock out
A contrast learners often mix up
Hit someone unconscious
bask in
Same in pattern: inside
Take great pleasure in attention, success or warmth
box in
Same in pattern: inside
Surround tightly with little room
chain in
Same in pattern: inside
Hold someone or something in place using chains
check in
Same in pattern: inside
Register at a hotel, airport or event; Hand over luggage to be loaded onto a plane; Briefly contact someone to update them
close in
Same in pattern: inside
Surround so escape becomes harder
crowd in
Same in pattern: inside
Move into a small space in large numbers
fall in
Same in pattern: inside
Collapse inward
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