body blow

[ bod-ee bloh ]

noun

1. Boxing. a blow driven to the opponent's body between the breastbone and the navel.
2. any action that causes severe damage, losses, etc.:

   Our business received a body blow in the recession.

body blow

noun

1. Also calledbody punch boxing a blow to the body of an opponent
2. a severe disappointment or setback

   unavailability of funds was a body blow to the project

Word History and Origins

Origin of body blow¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Idioms and Phrases

An action that causes severe damage, as in This last recession dealt a body blow to our whole industry . This term comes from boxing, where since the 18th century it has been used to refer to a punch that is landing between the opponent's chest and navel. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

The triple shock of higher fuel prices, sporadic shortages of supply and a depreciating currency has been a tough body blow for people across the country, many of whom are forced to run generators to keep the lights on and phones charged.

From BBC

Legal experts are unclear on the process of leaving the treaty, but any effort by the US to leave would be seen as a body blow to the principle of multi-lateral action to tackle the world's greatest threat.

From BBC

That body blow moved the All Blacks 14-6 clear and the game already looked perilously close to slipping into southern hemisphere hands.

From BBC

Responding to the incident, Conservative shadow business secretary, Kevin Hollinrake, said that on the eve of the investment event it was "body blow for the government".

From BBC

The other is a strong sense among some in Israel that they have an opportunity to deal a body blow to Iran - their mortal enemy.

From BBC