sucker-punch
Strike without warning
A sucker-punch is a punch thrown without warning, typically when the victim isn't looking or isn't expecting a fight: He sucker-punched me from behind.
The term extends to any blindsiding attack or betrayal: The announcement felt like a sucker-punch to employees.
To sucker-punch someone is to hit them this way—the cowardice is built into the word.
Causing severe damage
- reelingUnsteady from shock
- stunnedShocked into speechlessness
- flooredOverwhelmed by surprise
- windedShort of breath
shock · bombshell · blow · setback · crushing · staggering · jarring · rocked
Surprise with unexpected force
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- cheap shotUnfair attack or remark
- caught off guardSurprised when unprepared
- out of the blueWithout any forewarning
sneak attack · bushwhack · broadside · cold-cock · haymaker · blind spot · jumped · unsuspecting
Without bravery or nerve
- cheap shotUnfair attack or remark
- low blowUnfair, unsportsmanlike strike
- unfairUnjust or partial
- dishonorableLacking integrity or ethics
sneaky · below the belt · unsporting · foul play · defenseless · vulnerable · unprovoked · undefended
Incapacitating final blow
- jabQuick, straight blow
- hookCurved catching device
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
- haymakerWild knockout punch
brawl · fisticuffs · cold-cock · swing · fist · knuckles · jaw · floored
Betray someone's trust
- double-crossTreacherous deception of partner
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- selloutCompromiser of integrity
- two-facedInsincere and deceptive
disloyalty · deception · traitor · false friend · blind trust · duplicitous · set up · played
devastating
Causing severe damage
winded · shock · bombshell · blow · setback · crushing · staggering · jarring · rocked · shaken
blindside
Surprise with unexpected force
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- cheap shotUnfair attack or remark
- caught off guardSurprised when unprepared
sneak attack · out of the blue · bushwhack · broadside · cold-cock · haymaker · blind spot · jumped · unsuspecting · unaware
cowardly
Without bravery or nerve
- cheap shotUnfair attack or remark
- low blowUnfair, unsportsmanlike strike
- unfairUnjust or partial
dishonorable · sneaky · below the belt · unsporting · foul play · defenseless · vulnerable · unprovoked · undefended · opportunistic
knockout
Incapacitating final blow
haymaker · brawl · fisticuffs · cold-cock · swing · fist · knuckles · jaw · floored · decked
backstab
Betray someone's trust
- double-crossTreacherous deception of partner
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- selloutCompromiser of integrity
two-faced · disloyalty · deception · traitor · false friend · blind trust · duplicitous · set up · played · conned
sucker-punchsquare up
Resolve a debt
square off · duel · formal challenge · boxing match · mutual combat
sucker-punchready stance
Preparatory body position
block · parry · counterpunch · on guard · fighting stance
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