body blow: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘body blow’ mean?
The idiomatic phrase "body blow" refers to a physical attack or injury that causes significant damage or impact to a person's body, typically in the form of a punch or strike. It is used metaphorically to describe a detrimental or devastating event or action that has a profound effect on someone or something.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "strike a blow" means to make a forceful or significant action or effort to achieve a desired result or to fight against something perceived as negative or unjust.
The idiom "knock the stuffing out of" means to greatly weaken or defeat someone or something, typically through a powerful physical or emotional blow or shock.
The idiom "knock the living daylights out of" means to beat or hit someone very hard, often causing them to lose consciousness or be severely injured.
The idiom "knock someone flat" means to cause someone to fall down or become unconscious by hitting them with great force.
The idiom "knock out" means to defeat someone in a competition or fight, or to exhaust someone physically or emotionally.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The idiom "hit someone for six" means to completely shock or overwhelm someone, as if they were struck with great force and knocked down. It is often used to describe a situation or news that leaves someone stunned or emotionally affected.
The idiom "hit someone for six" is a commonly used expression in British English. It has both a literal and figurative meaning.
The idiom "give someone a bloody nose" means to physically or metaphorically harm or defeat someone, often resulting in humiliation or embarrassment to the person being targeted.
The idiom "dynamite charge" refers to a situation or event that is highly explosive or likely to cause a significant impact. It conveys the idea of immense power and potential danger, often used metaphorically to describe a person or thing with great potential for success or destruction.
The idiom "come to blows" means to engage in a physical fight or altercation.
Unleash the Impact
Body blow is an idiom that describes a strong or devastating attack or blow. It emerged in the early 20th century and can be traced back to the physical act of striking someone's body. The word "body" refers to the human body, and "blow" refers to a forceful impact. When used together, "body blow" creates an image of a significant and forceful strike. This idiom is often used to describe a situation or event that has a significant and detrimental impact on someone or something. It is typically associated with negative or unfavorable outcomes.
The idiom "strike a blow" is related to "body blow" as both phrases refer to the act of delivering a forceful attack. "Strike a blow" is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical. It can refer to physically hitting someone or something, as well as making a significant impact or breakthrough in a certain area. When someone "strikes a blow," they are delivering a powerful action or statement that has a lasting effect.
Similarly, the idiom "blow" is also related to "body blow" as both phrases involve the concept of forceful impact. However, "blow" is a more broad term that can be used in different situations. It can refer to a physical strike, a sudden setback or tragedy, or a strong verbal statement. When someone experiences a "blow," it implies that they have been affected by a powerful and often unexpected event that leaves a lasting impact.
Lastly, the idiom "blow someone's brains out" is another related phrase that involves the idea of a forceful attack. It is a more graphic and intense expression that is often used figuratively. It refers to causing extreme harm or destruction to someone or something, both physically and metaphorically. While "body blow" describes a significant impact, "blow someone's brains out" takes it to an extreme level, suggesting a devastating attack that leaves no chance of recovery.
The idiom "body blow" is a powerful expression that conveys the idea of a strong and impactful attack or event. It is related to the idioms "strike a blow," "blow," and "blow someone's brains out," all of which involve forceful impact and lasting consequences. Whether used in sports, politics, or personal relationships, these idioms evoke a sense of strength and forcefulness when describing significant and detrimental outcomes.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "body blow" can be used in a sentence:
- 1. The sudden layoff announcement was a body blow for the employees.
- 2. Losing the championship match was a body blow to the boxer's confidence.
- 3. The economic recession dealt a severe body blow to small businesses.
More "Physical" idioms
