knock (some) sense into (one)

knock (some) sense into (one)

To assist or persuade someone to start thinking sensibly (about something). Jason is convinced that he wants to get a tattoo once he turns 18, but I'm hoping we'll be able to knock sense into him by then. If you think you're going to find success with your high school rock band, then someone needs to knock some sense into you.

See also: knock, sense

knock some sense into someone

 and knock some sense in

to strike one, making one smarter, or at least obedient. I think his father finally knocked some sense into him. The accident finally knocked in some sense. I thought that last week's experience would knock some sense in.

See also: knock, sense

knock some sense into

Slang

To beat or hit (someone) in an effort to teach a lesson or cause a person to adopt an acceptable pattern of behavior.

See also: knock, sense