hammer blow

British  

noun

1. a blow from a hammer

2. a severe shock or setback

   Liam's death was a hammer blow

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Example Sentences

I just wonder how deflated Liam Rosenior's side will be after being pumped in Paris on Wednesday night - Paris St-Germain's fifth goal felt like a real hammer blow.

From BBC

Clark said the injury was a "hammer blow" for 29-year-old Cameron, whose lone All Blacks appearance came against Japan in 2018.

From Barron's

Solanke's audacious back-flicked goal was a hammer blow to second-placed City, who now trail leaders Arsenal by six points.

From Barron's

Such appeal brought a gargantuan signing on fee from the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV organisation and his 2022 departure was a hammer blow for the PGA Tour.

From BBC

But just as David feels he is finally going places, he is dealt a hammer blow from the head of the prize committee.

From The Wall Street Journal