punch bag
Definition
Noun: 1. A training device for boxing: An inflated ball or bag, typically made of leather or a durable synthetic material, that is suspended from a stand or ceiling. It is punched repeatedly by boxers or martial artists to develop punching power, speed, accuracy, and technique. 2. (Figurative) A person who is routinely subjected to criticism or abuse: Someone who is forced to endure verbal attacks, blame, or mistreatment from others, often without the ability to retaliate effectively.
Usage Examples
- Literal meaning (training device):
- The boxer spent an hour every morning hitting the punch bag to build strength.
- You can adjust the height of the punch bag to practice different types of punches.
- Figurative meaning (person):
- In the office meetings, he became the punch bag for the manager's frustration.
- I'm tired of being the emotional punch bag for my friends' problems.
Advanced Usage
- "to use someone as a punch bag": To consistently direct anger, criticism, or physical violence towards a particular person.
- He felt his boss was using him as a punch bag for the team's failures.
- "a verbal punch bag": Specifically describes someone who is a target for harsh words or criticism.
- The spokesperson became a verbal punch bag during the press conference.
Variants and Related Words
- Punching bag: This is the more common term, especially in American English, and is synonymous with "punch bag."
- Heavy bag: A specific type of large, heavy punch bag used for developing power.
- Speed bag: A smaller, air-filled bag attached to a rebound platform, used to improve hand speed and rhythm.
Synonyms
- Literal: Heavy bag, training bag, striking bag.
- Figurative: Scapegoat, whipping boy, doormat, target.
Related Idioms
- "A human punch(ing) bag": Emphasizes the figurative use, describing a person treated as an object for releasing aggression.
- After the scandal, the politician was treated like a human punch bag by the media.
Noun
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an inflated ball or bag that is suspended and punched for training in boxing
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