hammer-blow

hammer-blow

A blacksmith delivers a powerful hammer-blow to the glowing horseshoe.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A heavy striking force: "hammer-blow" refers to a forceful impact delivered by a hammer, often used literally in contexts of metalworking or construction.
    • A devastating shock or blow: Figuratively, it means an unexpected, severe setback or disaster that strikes with great force, like a crushing blow.
Usage Examples
  • Literal:
    • The blacksmith delivered a precise hammer-blow to shape the red-hot iron. (A forceful strike with a hammer.)
  • Figurative:
    • The news of the bankruptcy was a hammer-blow to the local community. (A devastating shock or setback.)
    • Her resignation came as a hammer-blow to the project's timeline. (A severe, unexpected disruption.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to deal a hammer-blow": To inflict a severe or decisive strike, whether literal or figurative.
    • The new tax law dealt a hammer-blow to small businesses. (It caused a major negative impact.)
  • "to receive a hammer-blow": To suffer a heavy, often unexpected, defeat or misfortune.
    • The team received a hammer-blow when their star player was injured. (They suffered a critical setback.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Hammer (n): a tool with a heavy head used for striking.
    • He used a hammer to drive the nail into the wall.
  • Blow (n): a hard hit or strike.
    • The boxer landed a powerful blow to his opponent's chin.
Synonyms
  • Strike: a deliberate, forceful hit.
  • Blow: a sudden, heavy impact.
  • Setback: an unexpected difficulty or reversal.
  • Shock: a sudden, upsetting event.
Phrasal Verbs
  • (None directly associated with "hammer-blow" as a compound noun, but related verbs include "hammer out" meaning to work out through discussion or effort.)
    • They hammered out a compromise after hours of negotiation. (They resolved differences through hard work.)
Related Idioms
  • A hammer-blow from fate: A severe stroke of bad luck or destiny.
    • Losing his job was a hammer-blow from fate. (A cruel twist of fortune.)
  • To fall like a hammer-blow: To occur suddenly and with great force.
    • The verdict fell like a hammer-blow on the accused. (It was unexpectedly harsh and decisive.)