sucker-punch

[suhk-er-puhnch]

verb (used with object)

Slang.

1. to strike (someone) with an unexpected blow.

sucker punch

noun

1. a sudden surprise punch, esp from behind

2. a sudden unexpected defeat or setback

Other Word Forms

• sucker punch noun

Idioms and Phrases

An unexpected blow, as in They felt that suddenly raising the interest rate was a sucker punch to the administration. This expression comes from boxing, where it is used for a punch delivered unexpectedly; boxing great Jack Dempsey wrote, “The right lead [for a right-handed boxer] is called a sucker punch.” [Slang; mid-1900s]