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

The real low blow is in the official communiqué in which the Swedish academicians justify their choice.

From The Daily Beast

Violet walks all over her two youngest daughters, but Barbara matches her, low blow for low blow.

From The Daily Beast

He later apologized, saying it was a “low blow and I take it back.”

From The Daily Beast

And with this low blow to main rival Hillary Clinton in the final debate, it showed.

From The Daily Beast

“Race to me is a low blow that people just use when they have nothing real to hate on,” she told the magazine.

From The Daily Beast

He had no idea I wasn't interested in his other hanky-panky, but could tell I had had a low blow.

From Project Gutenberg