sock it to

Idioms  

1. Deliver a physical blow, forceful comment, or reprimand to, as in The judge often socks it to the jury in a murder case. This idiom uses sock in the sense of “strike hard.” It is also put as an imperative, as in Sock it to them, kid! or Sock it to me!, which is sometimes used to give encouragement but can also have sexual overtones. [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

You can be tough enough to sock it to the henchman.

From The Guardian • Apr. 9, 2020

“Her last words to me … were “‘Go back up there and sock it to ‘em!,’”

From Washington Times • Sep. 1, 2018

“Her last words to me … were “‘Go back up there and sock it to ’em!,'”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 31, 2018

They would, in fact, sock it to China and Mexico.

From Washington Post • Mar. 25, 2016

A rich man won't have anything but your very best; and you can just pile it on, too—pile it on and sock it to him—he won't ever holler.

From Life on the Mississippi, Part 9. by Twain, Mark

Related Words

• contend
• disagree
• dispute
• quarrel
• quibble
• squabble