hammer blow

noun

1. a blow from a hammer
2. a severe shock or setback

   Liam's death was a hammer blow

Example Sentences

Festing waited anxiously, because the wheels of a locomotive when driven hard strikes what is called a hammer blow.

From Project Gutenberg

What a sledge-hammer blow (coup de massue) that has been,” he wrote to his brother; “my only hope was from France.

From Project Gutenberg

A sledge-hammer blow from Dolph's fist grazed his jaw as he sprang aside.

From Project Gutenberg

Just as she reared up for a sledge-hammer blow, the boy whirled squarely about and shot away to left.

From Project Gutenberg

Thrown off his balance by the boy's quick avoidance of the sledge-hammer blow, Kennell stumbled forward.

From Project Gutenberg