low blow

noun

1. (in boxing) an illegal blow below the waist of an opponent.
2. an unfair or unsportsmanlike criticism or attack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of low blow¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

An unscrupulous attack; an insult. For example, When my roommate moved out without a word of warning, leaving me to pay the entire rent, that was a low blow , or She wanted to win the argument, but bringing up his failed marriage was a low blow . This term alludes to the illegal practice of hitting an opponent in boxing below the belt . [c. 1950]

Example Sentences

Former President Trump, on the other hand, appeared to chuckle at the low blow.

From Salon

He said the cost was a "low blow".

From BBC

The Brit sent Usyk to the canvas, but it was ruled a low blow by the referee, with Usyk given almost four minutes to recover.

From BBC

“He took a low blow at the oldest occupation in history for Black people, which is farming, not taking into consideration how poorly Black farmers were treated,” Boyd said.

From Salon

“He has an old injury here. There were moments in the second AJ fight where he turned around citing a low blow but it wasn’t.”

From BBC