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deal a blow

idiom

Definition of deal a blow

formal
: to hit (someone or something) so as to cause harm
  • He dealt his enemy a mighty blow.
—usually used figuratively
  • The factory closing will deal a serious/severe/devastating/crushing blow to the town's economy.
  • Her career as an ice skater was dealt a fatal blow when she broke her leg.

Word by Word Definitions

deal play

  1. : part, portion

  2. : a usually large or indefinite quantity or degree

  3. : the act or right of distributing cards to players

  1. : to give as one's portion : apportion

  2. : to distribute (playing cards) to players

  3. : administer, deliver

  1. : an act of dealing (see 2deal 3) : transaction

  2. : bargain

  3. : contract

  1. : a board of fir or pine

  2. : pine or fir wood

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blow play

  1. : to be in motion

  2. : to move with speed or force

  3. : to move or run quickly

  1. : an instance of air moving with speed or force : a blowing of wind especially when strong or violent

  2. : brag, boasting

  3. : an act or instance of blowing (see 1blow)

  1. : flower, bloom

  1. : blossoms

  2. : bloom:2

  1. : a forcible stroke delivered with a part of the body (such as the fist) or with an instrument

  2. : a hostile act or state : combat

  3. : a forcible or sudden act or effort : assault

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