sock it to

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]

Example Sentences

The living room alone features a lavender Plycraft chair and a Sputnik chandelier as well as a Weltron Space Ball Retro stereo boasting an Earth, Wind & Fire 8-Track and a “Sock It To Me” squished beer ashtray.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of that unusual formula included the show’s array of guest stars – including a bewildered Richard Nixon uttering the catchphrase “sock it to me” – and in 1970, a drummer named Ringo Starr.

From Salon

Now don’t ask me why it’s called “Sock It to Me” cake; some say it’s because when waitresses asked customers if they wanted a slice of cake, they’d respond, “Sock it to me!”

From Seattle Times

Burns’ Sock It to Me cake was by far my favorite.

From Seattle Times

Operation Nightwatch, a faith-based organization in Seattle that provides housing, free meals and street outreach, is hosting its annual “Sock it to Homelessness” sock drive from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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