knock em dead
Wow the crowd
Knock em dead is encouragement to perform brilliantly, especially before someone goes onstage, into a job interview, or faces any situation requiring impressive performance: You're going to knock em dead out there.
The violence is purely figurative—the idea is to overwhelm the audience so completely they're left stunned.
Sometimes rendered knock 'em dead.
- slayDestroy or impress greatly
- crushCompress with force
- nailMetal fastener or keratin plate
- wowCry of amazement
- dazzleImpress through radiance
go get em · break a leg · showstopper · applause · standing ovation · take a bow · crowd pleaser · spotlight · center stage · stage · performance · big moment · charisma · star power · confidence · swagger · impress · stun
- death idiomskick the bucket, six feet under, kiss of death, death wish, death trap
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, in the crosshairs, fire away, take a shot
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
knock em deadbomb
Explosive device or disaster
tank · flop · fall flat · crash and burn · choke
knock em deadplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
hold back · phone it in · take it easy · be careful · hedge your bets
knock, dead, knocks, knocked, knocking, knocker, knockers, deathly, deadly