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• sucker-punch
  sucker-punch

  verb (used with object)

  to strike (someone) with an unexpected blow.
• sucker punch
  sucker punch

  noun

  a sudden surprise punch, esp from behind

sucker-punch

American  

[suhk-er-puhnch] / ˈsʌk ərˌpʌntʃ /

verb (used with object)

Slang.

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

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sucker punch British  

noun

1. a sudden surprise punch, esp from behind

2. a sudden unexpected defeat or setback

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sucker punch Idioms  

1. 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]

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• sucker punch
  noun

Example Sentences

Just as against Liverpool in August and Arsenal in September, Newcastle conceded a stoppage-time sucker punch against a member of the established order at home.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

“Train Dreams,” a film on Netflix starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, is breathtaking in the most literal way, delivering emotion like a sucker punch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

Adams missed another gilt-edged chance to level in the 53rd minute and four minutes later the Greeks caught Scotland out with a sucker punch.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

The narrative is less sucker punch than brilliant feints and jabs.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2025

He asks it softly, but it’s hard as a sucker punch in the gut.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas