knocking

Thân thiện

A child is knocking on the front door.

Definition

Noun 1. A repeated, sharp sound made by striking a surface, often to attract attention or as a mechanical noise: The sound of knocking is typically produced by hitting something, like a door, with the knuckles or an object. It can also refer to a similar percussive sound produced by an engine or machine part.

Usage and Examples

• As a sound to attract attention:

  • The loud knocking on the door startled everyone in the room.
  • We waited, listening for a knocking to signal his arrival.

• As a mechanical or engine noise:

  • The mechanic diagnosed the problem by listening to the knocking in the engine.
  • A persistent knocking from the bearing indicated it needed replacement.

Advanced Usage

• "to take a knocking" (idiomatic): To suffer damage, a setback, or a defeat.
  • The company's reputation took a knocking after the scandal.
  • His confidence took a real knocking after he failed the exam.

Variants and Related Words

• Knock (verb): To strike a surface sharply to make a noise.
  • Please knock before entering.
• Knock (noun): A single act or sound of knocking.
  • I heard three knocks on the window.*
• Knocker (noun): A hinged metal object on a door, used for knocking.
  • He lifted the heavy brass knocker.

Synonyms

• Rapping: A quick, light knocking sound.
• Tapping: A gentle, repeated knocking.
• Pounding: A heavy, loud knocking.
• Pinging (specifically for engines): A light, metallic knocking sound.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb 'knock')

• Knock about/around: 1. To spend time idly or without purpose. 2. To be present or circulating.
  • Old ideas knock about in his head.
• Knock down: 1. To demolish. 2. To reduce a price.
  • They plan to knock down the old building.
• Knock out: 1. To render unconscious. 2. To eliminate from a competition. 3. To produce something quickly.
  • The boxer knocked out his opponent in the first round.

Related Idioms

• The school of hard knocks: Learning through difficult life experiences rather than formal education.
  • He learned business in the school of hard knocks.
• Opportunity knocks: A chance for success presents itself.
  • When opportunity knocks, you should answer the door.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)
   • the knocking grew louder

Từ đồng nghĩa

• knock