Meaning trap
knock down
reduce price sharply
To lower the price of something significantly, often as a result of negotiation or a special offer.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To lower the price of something significantly, often as a result of negotiation or a special offer.
'knock down' also has the more basic meaning 'demolish (a building or structure)'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The manager agreed to knock down the price by 30% to secure the deal.
During negotiations, the supplier was willing to knock down the cost significantly, making the contract much more attractive to the buyer.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I knocked down the price for £20.
Say: I knocked the price down to £20. / I knocked £20 off.
'Knock down TO + the final price'. To name the reduction amount, use 'knock £20 OFF'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Knock down (a price)' is the natural haggling verb. 'Persuaded the seller to reduce the price' is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
knock down
- the price
- to £50
- by half
- a bit
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- knock down (demolish (a building or structure)) — 'knock down' also has the more basic meaning 'demolish (a building or structure)'; this is the advanced sense.