body blows
Hits below face
Body blows are punches aimed at the torso rather than the head—targeting the ribs, stomach, or kidneys.
Figuratively, body blows are setbacks that weaken but don't immediately defeat: The company absorbed a series of body blows before finally collapsing.
The phrase implies cumulative damage rather than a single knockout.
- fighterOne who engages in combat
- punchStrike with fist
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- setbackReverse in progress
- tough breakUnfortunate turn of events
jab · kidneys · hardship · adversity · liver · opponent · punching bag · take a beating · uppercut · one-two combo · below the belt · prize fight · knock · torso · ribs · wearing down · abdomen · hook
metaphorical impact type
body blowsknockout punch
Blow causing unconsciousness
death blow · coup de grâce · fatal blow · finishing move · sudden victory
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