knock oneself out, to 😵
Definition: To make a great effort or apply oneself to the point of exhaustion. This hyperbolic expression dates back to around 1930. Also, mid-1900s slang meaning: Enjoy yourself, have fun.
Synonyms:
- Break one’s back
- Bust a gut
- Overdo it
- Burn the midnight oil
- Go the extra mile
Antonyms:
- Take it easy
- Slack off
- Chill out
- Coast
Humor-filled Quote:
“Here’s my strategy on staying motivated and making list of all the things I’m going to get ‘done by lunch.” - Merritt K. Weston
Proverbs & Expressions:
- “No pain, no gain” – Sometimes, effort is a necessary component of success.
- “Don’t burn the candle at both ends” – Take care not to overwork yourself.
Literary References:
- Book: “Work Hard, Nap Harder” by Layla Bylanes. A humor-filled journey through the art of balancing effort and indulgence.
- Poem: “Exertion” by Will B. Resting. A poetic exploration of the highs and lows of human effort.
- Movie: Office Overload (1984). A comedy about the misadventures of an overzealous office worker who learns to balance work and play.
- Song: “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy.
Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell: Remember, while it’s admirable to put in maximum effort, sometimes it’s equally wise to “knock yourself out” in fun. Life’s a balancing act – let’s not knock ourselves silly.
### Which of these means to exert a lot of effort?
- [ ] Breaking bread
- [ ] Hang loose
- [x] Knock oneself out
- [ ] Swing for the fences
> **Explanation:** "Knock oneself out" means to exert a lot of effort. The others are incorrect in the given context.
### Which phrase doesn't direct you to relax?
- [ ] Take a load off
- [ ] Chill out
- [ ] Relax and take it easy
- [x] Knock yourself out
> **Explanation:** "Knock yourself out" (in its effort-related meaning) doesn't imply relaxing. Rather, it implies exertion.
