knock-down-and-drag-out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Extremely violent, fierce, or intense: Describes a conflict, argument, or fight that is characterized by great physical or verbal aggression, with no restraint or holding back. It implies a struggle that is brutal, prolonged, and determined.
Usage
- The adjective "knock-down-and-drag-out" is used attributively, meaning it typically comes before a noun to describe it.
- It is a hyphenated compound adjective, often used informally to emphasize the severity of a confrontation.
- It is most commonly used to describe physical fights but can also apply to heated arguments or intense competitions.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The political debate turned into a knock-down-and-drag-out argument.
- They had a knock-down-and-drag-out fight over the inheritance.
- The two teams are known for their knock-down-and-drag-out rivalry on the field.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe any situation of extreme intensity or effort, not necessarily physical.
- Preparing for the launch was a knock-down-and-drag-out effort that took months.
Variants and Related Words
- Knock-down, drag-out fight: A common noun phrase using the adjective.
- The disagreement escalated into a real knock-down, drag-out fight.
- Knockdown (noun/adjective): A blow that knocks someone down; or something that is very forceful or convincing.
- He scored a knockdown in the first round. (noun)
- She made a knockdown argument for the new policy. (adjective)
Synonyms
- Fierce: Having or displaying an intense or aggressive nature.
- Vicious: Deliberately cruel or violent.
- Brutal: Savagely violent.
- All-out: Using all available resources; complete and total.
- No-holds-barred: Having no rules or restrictions; unlimited.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Fight tooth and nail: To fight with great determination and ferocity.
- They will fight tooth and nail to protect their rights.
- Go at it hammer and tongs: To do something with great vigor, energy, or noise, especially to argue or fight.
- The neighbors were going at it hammer and tongs last night.
Adjective
- extremely violent
- a knock-down-and-drag-out fight