deal a blow to

Are you using the idiom deal a blow to but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the deal a blow to idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "deal a blow to"

Meaning

The idiomatic phrase 'deal a blow to' signifies a powerful, negative effect on somebody or something. It implies an action or event that has an overwhelming impact on the person or thing in question, causing it to suffer a severe setback or decline. The phrase can be used to describe anything from a physical strike to a mental or emotional blow, or a financial or commercial hit.

Etymology

The phrase 'deal a blow to' is believed to have originated in the early 1600s. It is derived from the Old English 'blōwan', which means to strike or beat. This original phrase became 'blow a deal' as it evolved into its modern usage, and its meaning came to be associated with other types of damage beyond physical strikes.

Usage

The phrase 'deal a blow to' can be used in a variety of contexts. It can be used to describe a physical action, such as when an athlete or fighter 'deals a blow', meaning they hit an opponent or object. It is also used to describe an event or occurrence that causes a significant impact, such as when a natural disaster 'deals a blow' to a community. It may also be used to refer to a setback or decline in one's fortunes, such as when a change in government policy 'deals a blow' to businesses in a particular industry.

Example Sentences

• The devastating hurricane dealt a blow to the local economy.
• The financial loss dealt a blow to the company's bottom line.
• The scandal dealt a blow to her reputation.
• The fighter dealt a powerful blow to his opponent.
• The new tax regulations dealt a blow to small business owners.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.