low blow
8
5.5
- noun
- /loʊ bloʊ/
- Offensive
:
golpe bajo
- Her comment about my past mistakes felt like a low blow during our conversation.
- delivering a low blow
That 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
-
What you said was a low blow.
-
That is a low blow.
-
No, that was a low blow.
-
It's really not fair, it's a low blow.
-
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.
-
Making fun of someone's family situation is considered a low blow in any argument.
Synonyms
344
3.9
Feeling of hurt or anger caused by something insulting
313
1.3
A rude remark or action that hurts someone's feelings
175
5.9
A short angry remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
155
3.4
Rude or insulting words said to hurt someone
34
6.3
An insulting remark meant to hurt someone
14
6.4
A short sharp remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
9
6.7
An action or remark that is unfair and hurtful, especially when it attacks someone's personal life
7
5.2
An unfair comment that attacks someone who cannot defend themselves
4
3.5
A rude remark that hurts or upsets someone
1
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
A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings
A set of harsh insulting words meant to hurt someone
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'.