knock off

Definition

To halt one's work or other activity.

Etymology

In the verb sense of stopping work, said to be from the practice aboard slave galleys to have a man beat time for the rowers by knocking on a block or drum; when he stopped, the rowers could rest.

Example Sentences

• "I think I'll knock off for the evening and go to bed."
• "Remember that this news was brought by the last steamer. That explains the stoppage of all communication, and the arrival of no more ships. We knocked off work a few days ago, and we're just waiting to see when things are to start afresh."
• "The mobsters hired the guy to knock off their enemies."