What does “Knock the pins from under someone” mean?
"Knock the pins from under someone" means to undermine or weaken someone's position or argument.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His clever counterarguments knocked the pins from under her stance.
Example
The new evidence presented in court knocked the pins from under the prosecution's case.
Example
The CEO's decision to cut funding knocked the pins from under the department's plans
Is “Knock the pins from under someone” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Knock the pins from under someone” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Knock the pins from under someone” effectively in context?
You can use "Knock the Pins from Under Someone" to describe the act of undermining or weakening someone's position or argument. It suggests that the person's foundation or support has been removed, leaving them vulnerable or without a strong basis for their stance. For example, if someone presents strong evidence that contradicts another person's argument, you might say, 'His clever counterarguments "knocked the pins from under" her stance.'
- 1Debate
During the debate, she presented compelling evidence that knocked the pins from under her opponent's claims.
- 2Legal Proceedings
The new evidence presented in court knocked the pins from under the prosecution's case.
- 3Decision-Making
The CEO's decision to cut funding knocked the pins from under the department's plans.
Similar phrases to “Knock the pins from under someone”:
Undermine
To weaken or subvert someone's position or authority
Example
His constant criticism was an attempt to undermine her confidence.
To expose the falseness or invalidity of a claim or belief
Example
The scientist conducted experiments to debunk the popular myth.
To cause others to doubt or lose faith in someone or something
Example
The scandal discredited the politician's reputation.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Knock the pins from under someone” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Knock the Pins from Under Someone" is unknown.
Is “Knock the pins from under someone” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Knock the Pins from Under Someone" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be used in specific contexts such as debates, legal proceedings, or discussions where arguments are being challenged or undermined.
What tone does “Knock the pins from under someone” have?
"Knock the Pins from Under Someone" conveys a tone of undermining or weakening someone's position. It can be used to describe a situation where someone's argument or stance is effectively dismantled or invalidated.
Can “Knock the pins from under someone” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Knock the Pins from Under Someone" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations or discussions among friends and colleagues. It may not be as frequently used in formal or professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The new evidence presented in court "knocked the pins from under" the prosecution's case.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really "knocked the pins from under" her!' to imply that someone successfully undermined another person's argument.
