deal a blow

idiom

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.

Examples of deal a blow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Braves are out of the playoff picture, but have a chance to deal a blow to the Mets' playoff hopes. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 Still, any increase in cost per unit could deal a blow to companies already struggling to reach price-conscious consumers. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 28 July 2025 Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said the tariffs would deal a blow to Japan's economy and chill Japanese companies' investment in the U.S. and that the two sides should seek a settlement that would benefit both. Arkansas Online, 19 Apr. 2025 The resurfacing of the Becciu issue could deal a blow to Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a senior Vatican official who is seen as a leading candidate to succeed Francis. Joshua McElwee, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deal a blow

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Cite this Entry

“Deal a blow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deal%20a%20blow. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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