Definition of the word knock over

The phrase "knock over" is an English idiom that describes the action of overturning or physically causing something to fall to the ground. Its origins can be traced back to the mid-19th century, around the 1850s. In its literal sense, the term derives from the action of "knocking," which is to strike or hit something forcefully. The word "over" is added to it, which means in a vertical direction, and this results in the verb "knock over" that implies causing something to topple or fall abruptly. It's suggested that the first instance of the term was observed in publications in the 1850s and was likely used in the context of horse racing or gambling. Horse betting consultants and handicappers may have used this phrase while laying out their tips to refer to the sudden fall of horses in races or in simulations for horse races. Over time, the idiom has grown increasingly popular and is now part of everyday English vocabulary. Its versatility can be seen across various contexts, such as sports, finance, and colloquial expressions like "knock over a few bottles at the bar." Overall, "knock over" as a widely-used expression is a testament to the evolution of English and the richness of the language's expressions. By examining its origins and role in contemporary contexts, we can better understand how language changes in society as well as the creativity and versatility of the human mind.