one-two punch
Rapid successive strikes
A one-two punch is a boxing combination—a jab with the lead hand followed immediately by a cross with the rear hand.
Figuratively, it describes any powerful combination of two things working together: The company delivered a one-two punch of layoffs and benefit cuts.
The phrase emphasizes rapid, sequential impact.
Quick, straight blow
- crossPass from side to side
- hookCurved catching device
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
counterpunch · combination · haymaker · slugger · southpaw · ringside · sparring · clinch
Two simultaneous misfortunes
- follow-upSubsequent action on something
- coup de grâceMerciful finishing blow
- masterstrokeSupremely skillful action
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
finishing blow · counterattack · flanking · pincer · offensive · blitz · ambush · maneuver
Causing severe damage
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- cripplingCausing severe impairment
- lethalCausing or capable of death
- swiftMoving with speed
sudden · unexpected · relentless · powerful · effective · successive · sequential · rapid-fire
jab
Quick, straight blow
knockout · counterpunch · combination · haymaker · slugger · southpaw · ringside · sparring · clinch · footwork
double whammy
Two simultaneous misfortunes
- follow-upSubsequent action on something
- coup de grâceMerciful finishing blow
- masterstrokeSupremely skillful action
finishing blow · gambit · counterattack · flanking · pincer · offensive · blitz · ambush · maneuver · assault
devastating
Causing severe damage
swift · sudden · unexpected · relentless · powerful · effective · successive · sequential · rapid-fire · back-to-back
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, knockout, TKO
- finishing movesfinisher, finishing move, final blow, death blow, knockout
- combinationscombo, combination, blend, mix, mixture
- combosmeal deal, value meal, breakfast combo, lunch special, two-piece
- repeated hitsjabs, drumming, hammering, pounding, tapping
one-two punchhalf-measure
Inadequate partial action
glancing blow · damp squib · token gesture · whiff · miss
one-two punchhug
Tight, affectionate clasp
kiss · embrace · caress · pat on the back · gentle touch