Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unexpected punch; a surprise punch: A physical blow, typically with a fist, that is delivered without warning or when the target is unprepared or unsuspecting. It implies a lack of fairness or sportsmanship.

Usage

• The term "sucker punch" is used to describe a specific, often cowardly, act of violence. It is a compound noun that functions as a single concept.
• It is commonly used in both literal contexts (physical fights) and metaphorical contexts (sudden, unfair setbacks).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The fight ended when one man delivered a sucker punch to the other's jaw.
  • Losing that major client felt like a sucker punch to the entire sales team.
  • He was knocked out cold by a sucker punch from behind.

Advanced Usage

• "to sucker-punch" (verb): The term can be verbed, meaning to hit someone with a sucker punch or, metaphorically, to surprise someone with a severe and unfair setback.
  • He was sucker-punched outside the bar.
  • The new tax legislation sucker-punched small business owners.

Variants and Related Words

• Blindsiding (n/v): The act of attacking or harming someone unexpectedly. Often used metaphorically.
  • The negative review was a complete blindsiding for the author.
• Cheap shot (n): An unfair or unsportsmanlike action or remark. It can be physical (like a sucker punch) or verbal.
  • His comment about her past was a real cheap shot.

Synonyms

• Cowardly blow: A punch thrown without giving the opponent a chance to defend.
• Sneak attack: An attack made without warning.
• Low blow: Originally from boxing (an illegal punch below the waist), used figuratively for an unfair criticism or action.

Related Phrases

• Hit below the belt: To act unfairly or unscrupulously. This idiom originates from boxing and is closely related to the concept of a "sucker punch."
  • Bringing up his family problems during the debate was hitting below the belt.

Idioms

• A punch out of the blue: Similar to "a bolt from the blue," meaning something completely unexpected and shocking. This captures the surprise element of a sucker punch.
  • The news of the company's bankruptcy came like a punch out of the blue.

Noun

1. an unexpected punch