👋 Welcome to yet another fascinating exploration into the world of idioms! Today, we’re diving into the delightfully whimsical phrase: “to knock (someone) down with a feather.”
Meaning
Knock (someone) down with a feather - To overcome with surprise; to leave someone astonished, shocked, or flabbergasted.
Origin
This hyperbole dates from the early nineteenth century, making its literature debut in William Cobbett’s Rural Rides (1821): “You might have knocked me down with a feather.” Today, it’s more often framed with the conditional “could” (instead of “might”), keeping the kernel of astonishment alive.
Related Terms & Synonyms
- Gobsmacked (British Yoruba as they might say!)
- Bowed over
- Taken aback
- Stunned
- Flabbergasted (a wonderfully old-fashioned way to express being surprised)
- Thunderstruck
Similar Idioms & Expressions
- Blind-sided – Unexpectedly attacked or caught off-guard.
- Catch (someone) off guard – To surprise or shock someone who was not expecting it.
- Hit like a ton of bricks – Another great metaphor indicating a powerful surprise.
- Not know what hit you – To be overly surprised or shocked.
Proverbs and Humorous Quotes
- Proverb: “The unexpected does not happen in the ordinary course of things.” - Reflect on it, you’ll find a million delights in the unexpected.
- Quote: “You could have knocked me over with a feather. That news went down easier than a pint of cider.” - Anonymous cab-driver from London, circa never. 😊
Recommended Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: Unexpected by Karen Kingsbury - Filled with astonishing plot twists that’ll certainly keep you on your toes.
- Song: “Surprise Surprise” by The Rolling Stones – Celebrate surprises with this rock classic.
- Poem: We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar – The surprises behind what we show the world.
- Movie: Life is Beautiful - The movie’s ability to blend joy, humor, and tragedy definitely knocked people down with its feather-like brilliance.
Quirky Quizzes
May surprises in life flutter in like feathers, leaving you with joy, wonder, and a surprise party every other Tuesday.
Yours whimsically,
Eleanor Quiptastic
Published: 2023-10-08
