low blow
13
5.5
- noun
- /loʊ bloʊ/
- Offensive
- Her comment about my past mistakes felt like a low blow during our conversation.
- delivering a low blow
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Watch on YouTubeThat is a low blow from a guy who looks like he's either got the meat sweats or is sweaty meat.
- That is a low blow from a guy who looks like he's either got the meat sweats or is sweaty meat.
Examples
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What you said was a low blow.
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That is a low blow.
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No, that was a low blow.
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It's really not fair, it's a low blow.
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This is a low blow, but accurate enough to shake Sam.
Fiction book (1996) -
Suggesting these victims' families just want to be on TV is a low blow even for Chief Gore.
Blog text (30) -
We argue about the issues and don't revert to low blows and name-calling to hurt each other.
Blog text (22) -
Saying that I don't deserve this job was a real low blow from my colleague.
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Making fun of someone's family situation is considered a low blow in any argument.
Synonyms
365
3.9
Feeling of hurt or anger caused by something insulting
286
1.3
A rude remark or action that hurts someone's feelings
83
5.9
A short angry remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
36
3.4
Rude or insulting words said to hurt someone
20
5.2
An unfair comment that attacks someone who cannot defend themselves
13
6.4
A short sharp remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
12
6.7
An action or remark that is unfair and hurtful, especially when it attacks someone's personal life
8
6.3
An insulting remark meant to hurt someone
6
3.5
A rude remark that hurts or upsets someone
2
7.3
A short hurtful remark that makes someone feel upset
1
3.2
A rude comment meant to hurt someone or show no respect
1
9.3
A set of harsh insulting words meant to hurt someone
A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings
Antonyms
How Hurtful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'low' (morally inferior/underhanded) and 'blow' (a hit or harmful event) combine to give a reasonably inferable sense of an underhanded or hurtful hit — metaphorically an unfair remark or action. Because it relies on a metaphorical mapping (physical blow → emotional harm) rather than strictly literal composition, and this mapping may require prior exposure despite cross-linguistic parallels (e.g. Spanish 'golpe bajo'), the expression is only partially predictable to a B1 learner.
Etymology
The idiom low blow comes from boxing, where a punch below the belt was against the rules and was a literal low blow. So the phrase now means 'an unfair or hurtful remark meant to hurt someone's feelings'.