punching bag
Gym stress reliever
A punching bag is a heavy padded bag suspended for boxing practice—you hit it repeatedly to build strength and technique.
Figuratively, a punching bag is someone who absorbs abuse or criticism without fighting back: The new hire became the office punching bag.
Also called a heavy bag in gym contexts.
Assign responsibility for wrongdoing
- targetObject of pursuit
- victimOne harmed by another
- fall guyOne blamed for others
- whipping boyDesignated recipient of punishment
outlet · dumping ground · easy target · doormat · pushover · patsy · stooge · lightning rod
Hand coverings with fingers
- wrapsEncircles with covering
- jabQuick, straight blow
- hookCurved catching device
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
sparring · bout · ring · knockout · combo · speedbag · mitts · stance
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- releaseTo let go
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
therapy · rage · venting · relief · tension · outlet · exasperation · irritation
blame
Assign responsibility for wrongdoing
whipping boy · outlet · dumping ground · easy target · doormat · pushover · patsy · stooge · lightning rod · proxy
gloves
Hand coverings with fingers
uppercut · sparring · bout · ring · knockout · combo · speedbag · mitts · stance · footwork
frustration
Displeasure from blocked efforts
aggression · therapy · rage · venting · relief · tension · outlet · exasperation · irritation · blowoff
workout
Structured physical exercise
- drillsRepetitive training routines
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- cardioPulse-elevating exercise regimen
fitness · routine · reps · sets · circuit · strength · power · agility · speed · technique
speedbag
Fast-rebound striking platform
- freestandingNot attached to anything
- hangingExecution by noose
- chainsLinked metal restraints
mount · ceiling · stand · swivel · filling · sand · water · leather · vinyl · canvas
- gym equipmenttreadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, rowing machine, weight belt
- training equipmenttreadmill, exercise bike, stationary bike, rowing machine, elliptical
- combat trainingbasic training, boot camp, combat drills, drills, drilling
- martial arts geargi, judo gi, headgear, mouthguard, mouth guard
- practice toolsmetronome, tuner, practice pad, music stand, practice log
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, knockout, TKO
punching bagfighter
One who engages in combat
sparring partner · combatant · contender · adversary · defender
punching bagsacred cow
Exempt from criticism
golden child · favorite · protected class · untouchable · darling
punch, punching, punched, punches, puncher, counterpunch, punchers, punchbag, counterpunching