body blow

[bod-ee bloh]

noun

1. Boxing.,  a blow driven to the opponent's body between the breastbone and the navel.

2. any action that causes severe damage, losses, etc..

   Our business received a body blow in the recession.

body blow

noun

1. Also called: body punch. boxing a blow to the body of an opponent

2. a severe disappointment or setback

   unavailability of funds was a body blow to the project

Word History and Origins

Origin of body blow¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Idioms and Phrases

An action that causes severe damage, as in This last recession dealt a body blow to our whole industry. This term comes from boxing, where since the 18th century it has been used to refer to a punch that is landing between the opponent's chest and navel. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

"After the announcements by the British, the Canadians and the French, we thought it was pretty imminent. But it still came as a body blow to the community," he said, characterising the move as "gesture politics that really undermines the actual cause of peace on the ground".

From BBC

But his second retirement of the year - following crashing out of the Canadian Grand Prix in June after hitting the back of his team-mate's car - has dealt a body blow to his hopes.

From BBC

Alexander-Arnold made a smooth entrance at Real Madrid, impressing the locals by speaking in fluent Spanish at his unveiling, but there have been bumps in the road since, with Tuchel's decision to drop him another body blow for the Merseysider.

From BBC

Along with other duties, total tariffs on shrimps now stand to go up above 60% - a body blow for the sector as prices have dropped by $0.60-0.72 per kilo since the tariffs were first announced and are expected to fall further once the 50% rate comes into effect.

From BBC

Itoje had to come off early, a body blow, personally and collectively.

From BBC