knock seven bells這個(gè)用法在英國比較流行,偶爾會在報(bào)紙上看到.這跟航海傳統(tǒng)有關(guān)系,是 a nautical expression.A warrior association is appropriate for this idiom,since the origin is fighting ships and the ringing of bells to mark the passage of time on board.
Seven bells代表只剩半個(gè)小時(shí)了,差不多要把對方"結(jié)束"了,所以才有"狠狠修理對方"的意思.
This is the usual explanation of its origin:
A total of eight bells are struck to end a watch; to knock seven bells out of someone implies pretty severe handling — without actually finishing him off.
(Jackspeak,A Guide to British Naval Slang & Usage,by Rick Jolly,revised second edition 2007.)
The OED:"In Naut.slang phrs.to knock seven bells out of (someone):to beat (someone) severely; similarly,to scare seven bells out of:to terrify."