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