low blow

noun

1. (in boxing) an illegal blow below the waist of an opponent.

2. an unfair or unsportsmanlike criticism or attack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of low blow¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

An unscrupulous attack; an insult. For example, When my roommate moved out without a word of warning, leaving me to pay the entire rent, that was a low blow, or She wanted to win the argument, but bringing up his failed marriage was a low blow. This term alludes to the illegal practice of hitting an opponent in boxing below the belt. [c. 1950]

Example Sentences

It sounds like a low blow, and an odd attack line in a diverse state filled with immigrants and newcomers of all kinds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Considering how the streaming era has already made a big dent in many artists' incomes, Emily Portman says this affair has felt like a "very low blow".

Read more on BBC

Usyk was floored in the fifth round but it was deemed to be a low blow and the 38-year-old was given almost four minutes to recover.

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Dorticos lost a point after the referee penalized him for connecting consecutive low blows.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Scull complained about low blows, most of which were legitimate punches, and Alvarez was warned for punching when his opponent had his back turned in the 11th.

Read more on BBC