knock the wind out of
US /nɑk ðə wɪnd aʊt əv/
UK /nɑk ðə wɪnd aʊt əv/
1.
couper le souffle, faire perdre son souffle
to hit someone in the stomach so hard that they have difficulty breathing
:
•
The punch to his gut really knocked the wind out of him.
Le coup de poing dans son ventre lui a vraiment coupé le souffle.
•
He fell awkwardly and knocked the wind out of himself.
Il est tombé maladroitement et s'est coupé le souffle.
2.
sidérer, anéantir, démoraliser
to shock or surprise someone very much, especially in a way that makes them feel weak or unable to react
:
•
The news of her sudden death really knocked the wind out of everyone.
La nouvelle de sa mort subite a vraiment sidéré tout le monde.
•
His harsh criticism knocked the wind out of her confidence.
Sa critique sévère a anéanti sa confiance.