be knocked sideways

To be damaged or harmed, possibly beyond repair. Primarily heard in UK. Our economy has really been knocked sideways by the recession. Come on, these books have been knocked sideways—can I please throw them out? Unfortunately, the mechanic says that my engine has been knocked sideways. I can't afford a new car—what am I going to do?

be knocked sideways

BRITISH

If something is knocked sideways, it is severely damaged, and may not recover. Most of the country's trade unions have been knocked sideways in the past decade. Confidence in the British legal system has been knocked sideways. Compare with knock someone sideways.