Definition of the word knock together

The phrase "knock together" is a verb phrase that means to put something together in a rough or hastily made manner. The origin of this expression can be traced back to the mid-19th century when it was mainly used in the construction industry. In this context, "knocking together" referred to the process of hammering and nailing wooden parts into place to construct a building or piece of furniture without the use of plans or precise measurements. The word "knock" in this sense comes from using the handle of a hammer, or a similar tool, to strike and fasten nails into wooden joints. Over time, the phrase "knock together" expanded beyond its original usage in construction and now applies to any situation that requires quick assembly of parts, often with less precision or care than more formal methods. Today, we still use "knock together" to describe building or constructing things hastily, such as putting together furniture without instructions or assembling a makeshift structure for a temporary purpose. The expression has also been adapted to describe more intangible tasks, such as putting together a quick presentation or completing a project with minimal effort or resources.