IDIOMS

World of sports

IN ENGLISH, THE BUSINESS WORLD DRAWS SIGNIFICANT INSPIRATION FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS, WHICH IS REFLECTED IN MANY COMMONLY USED EXPRESSIONS. WE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF OVER 130 SUCH EXPRESSIONS, COMPLETE WITH EXPLANATIONS AND EXAMPLES.

KNOCKOUT.
A 'knockout' illustrating one option's decisive win over others in business.

In a business context, 'knockout' describes a decisive action, strategy, or event that instantly determines an outcome. It is most commonly used to describe an overwhelming success that eliminates the competition or a mandatory requirement that disqualifies a candidate or proposal.

Derived from combat sports (boxing/MMA), where a 'knockout' signifies a strike that renders an opponent unable to continue, ending the fight immediately.

Examples of use in a business context:

  • The presentation was a knockout; the client was so impressed that they signed the contract on the spot.

  • Our new product line is a knockout success; we are currently outselling last year's figures 2-to-1.

  • The court's ruling was a knockout blow to our expansion plans; the settlement costs will force us to pivot our entire strategy.

Are you looking to improve your English? Here are our options: