knock back

• Expression informelle britannique signifiant boire rapidement quelque chose, en particulier une boisson alcoolisée, ou refuser une offre ou la rejeter.

An informal British expression meaning to drink something quickly, especially an alcoholic beverage, or to refuse or reject an offer or proposal.

1. B2informal

   To consume an alcoholic drink quickly, often in one go.

   boire d'un trait

   • He knocked back a shot of whiskey before leaving.
   • She knocked back her beer and ordered another.
   • They knocked back several cocktails at the party.

2. B2informal

   To reject or refuse an offer, proposal, or request.

   rejeter, refuser

   • The bank knocked back his loan application.
   • She knocked back his invitation to dinner.
   • The committee knocked back the proposed changes.

3. Cost a large amountC1informalbritish

   To cost someone a significant amount of money.

   Coûter cher

   • That new car must have knocked him back a fortune.
   • The repairs knocked me back over a thousand pounds.
   • The wedding knocked them back a pretty penny.