knock-back
A firm refusal
A knock-back is a rejection or setback, especially in British and Australian usage: She took the knock-back hard when they turned down her application.
The term comes from being figuratively knocked backward by disappointment.
In drinking contexts, to knock back is to consume quickly: He knocked back three pints.
Act of declining
- rebuffAbrupt, curt rejection
- turndownAct of declining
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- setbackReverse in progress
disappointment · decline · snub · brush-off · cold shoulder · dismissal · spurning · repudiation
Something blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- difficultyState of being hard
- reversalComplete change of direction
- blowMove air forcefully
disappointment · complication · delay · stumbling block · impediment · hurdle · misfortune · defeat
refusal
Act of declining
setback · disappointment · decline · snub · brush-off · cold shoulder · dismissal · spurning · repudiation · thumbs down
obstacle
Something blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- difficultyState of being hard
- reversalComplete change of direction
blow · disappointment · complication · delay · stumbling block · impediment · hurdle · misfortune · defeat · letdown
swig
Large hasty draught
guzzle · shot · slug · nip · snifter · tipple · down · belt · drain · swallow
knock-backacceptance
Consent to receive
approval · green light · yes · go-ahead · thumbs-up
knock-backencouragement
Support spurring continued effort
boost · validation · endorsement · vote of confidence · pat on the back
knock-backbreakthrough
Sudden important advance
boost · success · win · triumph · step forward
knock, back, knocks, knocked, knocking, knocker, knockers, backs, backed