sucker-punch

[ suhk-er-puhnch ]

verb (used with object)

, Slang.

1. to strike (someone) with an unexpected blow.

sucker punch

noun

1. a sudden surprise punch, esp from behind
2. a sudden unexpected defeat or setback

Other Words From

• sucker punch noun

Idioms and Phrases

An unexpected blow, as in They felt that suddenly raising the interest rate was a sucker punch to the administration . This expression comes from boxing, where it is used for a punch delivered unexpectedly; boxing great Jack Dempsey wrote, “The right lead [for a right-handed boxer] is called a sucker punch.” [ Slang ; mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

The New York Times Book Review says this thriller about four families struggling to find the truth in the shadow of a terrible accident has “a sucker-punch ending you’ll have to read twice to believe,” and multiple reviewers praise Audrain’s observations about the dark side of motherhood.

From Seattle Times

Blackburn break after a dreadful pass form Crysecnio Summerville near the halfway line and nearly come up with a sucker-punch.

From BBC

Instead, just three days later, they fell victim to a late sucker-punch as McBurnie fired in from close range in the 93rd minute to earn a point for the Premier League's bottom side.

From BBC

That home sucker-punch was sealed by a VAR awarded penalty, but this time, technology was Aberdeen's saviour.

From BBC

Even if City don't play that well, they are resilient and I can see them hitting Arsenal with a sucker-punch - yes they lost twice last week, but they won't lose too many more games this season.

From BBC