deal a blow
idiom
formal
: to hit (someone or something) so as to cause harm
He dealt his enemy a mighty blow.
—usually used figurativelyThe factory closing will deal a serious/severe/devastating/crushing blow to the town's economy.
Her career as an ice skater was dealt a fatal blow when she broke her leg.
Examples of deal a blow in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cameron Hudson, a former U.S. official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said the genocide determination and sanctions would deal a blow to the RSF’s image.
—
Reuters, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025
The trial results deal a blow to expectations that CagriSema could become a next-generation obesity drug.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
That is expected to deal a blow to the the country’s manufacturers, which view Europe as a key export market.
—Laura He, CNN, 18 June 2024
Likely the final debate in a close presidential race, the event was one of the last opportunities for each to deal a blow to the opposing campaign and introduce themselves to voters.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deal a blow
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Reuters, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025
The trial results deal a blow to expectations that CagriSema could become a next-generation obesity drug.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
That is expected to deal a blow to the the country’s manufacturers, which view Europe as a key export market.
—Laura He, CNN, 18 June 2024
Likely the final debate in a close presidential race, the event was one of the last opportunities for each to deal a blow to the opposing campaign and introduce themselves to voters.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deal a blow
Cite this Entry
“Deal a blow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deal%20a%20blow. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share