deal a blow
phrase
formal
: to hit (someone or something) so as to cause harm
He dealt his enemy a mighty blow.
—usually used figurativelyThe 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.
Cite this Entry
“Deal a blow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deal%20a%20blow. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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