Deal somebody/something a blow
verb phrase
To cause harm or a setback to somebody or something.
The sudden economic crisis dealt a severe blow to the nation's development.
Often appears as...
- deal a severe blow
- deal a major blow
verb phrase
To strike or hit someone or something physically.
The boxer dealt his opponent a blow that knocked him out.
Often appears as...
- deal a heavy blow
- deal a powerful blow
verb phrase
To cause harm or a setback to somebody or something.
The sudden economic crisis dealt a severe blow to the nation's development.
Often appears as...
- deal a severe blow
- deal a major blow
verb phrase
To strike or hit someone or something physically.
The boxer dealt his opponent a blow that knocked him out.
Often appears as...
- deal a heavy blow
- deal a powerful blow
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies unexpected or significant difficulties.
The new tax laws dealt small businesses a severe blow.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Commonly used to describe non-physical, abstract setbacks.
Not getting the scholarship dealt her dreams a blow.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Don't misunderstand it as a physical action; it's sometimes metaphorical.
The cancellation of the event dealt a blow to the community's spirit.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies unexpected or significant difficulties.
The new tax laws dealt small businesses a severe blow.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Commonly used to describe non-physical, abstract setbacks.
Not getting the scholarship dealt her dreams a blow.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Don't misunderstand it as a physical action; it's sometimes metaphorical.
The cancellation of the event dealt a blow to the community's spirit.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies unexpected or significant difficulties.
The new tax laws dealt small businesses a severe blow.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Commonly used to describe non-physical, abstract setbacks.
Not getting the scholarship dealt her dreams a blow.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Don't misunderstand it as a physical action; it's sometimes metaphorical.
The cancellation of the event dealt a blow to the community's spirit.
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