final blow
The decisive strike
The final blow is the strike that ends something—the last hit that defeats an opponent, or figuratively, the event that causes ultimate failure or collapse.
A boxer's knockout punch is a final blow; so is the news that destroys a failing business: The scandal was the final blow to his campaign.
Often interchangeable with death blow or coup de grâce.
Incapacitating final blow
- deathblowFinal, fatal stroke
- killshotStrike that eliminates
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
- punchStrike with fist
strike · finishing move · coup de grâce · takedown · haymaker · hook · jab · smash
Concluding phase of competition
- culminationHighest or final point
- denouementStory's final unraveling
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
closure · completion · ending · curtain call · swan song · last act · quietus · coup de grâce
Fact that settles matters
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- deciderOne who resolves matters
- make-or-breakDetermining ultimate success
pivotal moment · defining moment · watershed · tipping point · breakthrough · critical hit · capstone · checkmate
knockout
Incapacitating final blow
punch · strike · finishing move · coup de grâce · takedown · haymaker · hook · jab · smash · hit
endgame
Concluding phase of competition
- culminationHighest or final point
- denouementStory's final unraveling
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
resolution · closure · completion · ending · curtain call · swan song · last act · quietus · coup de grâce · finish
clincher
Fact that settles matters
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- deciderOne who resolves matters
pivotal moment · make-or-break · defining moment · watershed · tipping point · breakthrough · critical hit · capstone · checkmate · nail in the coffin
vanquish
Defeat thoroughly in conflict
rout · overthrow · annihilate · topple · dethrone · subdue · overwhelm · devastate · decimate · demolish
- finishing blowsdeathblow, finisher, finishing move, kill shot, knockout
- finishing movesfinisher, finishing move, knockout, knockout punch, kill shot
- signature movesfinishing move, trademark, special attack, special move, signature move
- achievementsaccomplishment, achievement, accomplishments, achievements, triumph
- finishfinish, complete, conclude, end, wrap up
- Knockoutsknockout, KO, TKO, technical knockout, knockout punch
final blowreprieve
Postponement of punishment
lifeline · saving grace · stay of execution · second chance · resurrection
blow, final, finally, blown, finale, blowing, finalize, blows, blower