knock down — reduce price sharply
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
To lower the price of something significantly, often as a result of negotiation or a special offer.
Say it like a native
Textbook I persuaded the seller to reduce the price considerably.
Native I knocked him down to fifty quid.
'Knock down (a price)' is the natural haggling verb. 'Persuaded the seller to reduce the price' is wordy.
Pattern: knock down + price/amount
In use
- The manager agreed to knock down the price by 30% to secure the deal.business
- During negotiations, the supplier was willing to knock down the cost significantly, making the contract much more attractive to the buyer.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I knocked down the price for £20.
✓ I knocked the price down to £20. / I knocked £20 off.
'Knock down TO + the final price'. To name the reduction amount, use 'knock £20 OFF'.
Common collocations
knock down— the price, to £50, by half, a bit
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 senses, which refer to physically making something or someone fall, this sense is figurative and relates specifically to reducing prices or amounts, especially in commercial contexts.
Related
- knock down (demolish (a building or structure)) — 'knock down' also has the more basic meaning 'demolish (a building or structure)'; this is the advanced sense.