sucker punched
Hit without warning
Sucker punched means struck without warning, typically when the victim had no chance to defend themselves.
The sucker punch is a coward's blow—thrown at someone who isn't ready or doesn't see it coming: He sucker punched me while I was looking the other way.
Figuratively, it describes any blindsiding setback: The layoff notice sucker punched her.
Surprised by unforeseen impact
- stunnedShocked into speechlessness
- flooredOverwhelmed by surprise
- gobsmackedExtremely astonished
- dumbfoundedRendered speechless by surprise
reeling · staggered · shell-shocked · dazed · speechless · jolted · thunderstruck · flabbergasted
Treacherously harmed by ally
- double-crossedBetrayed by supposed ally
- betrayedViolated someone's trust
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
- sold outNo inventory remains
two-faced · stabbed in the back · deceived · duped · set up · played · conned · hoodwinked
Unfair attack or remark
- low blowUnfair, unsportsmanlike strike
- haymakerWild knockout punch
- coldcockPunch someone unconscious
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
KO · blindside hit · king hit · dropped · decked · clocked · laid out · flattened
Unfair attack or remark
- low blowUnfair, unsportsmanlike strike
- dirty playUnethical competitive conduct
- unsportsmanlikeContrary to athletic ethics
- foulOffensive or illegal
underhanded · cowardly · sneaky · unfair · unjust · dishonorable · below the belt · gutless
blindsided
Surprised by unforeseen impact
- stunnedShocked into speechlessness
- flooredOverwhelmed by surprise
- gobsmackedExtremely astonished
dumbfounded · reeling · staggered · shell-shocked · dazed · speechless · jolted · thunderstruck · flabbergasted · bowled over
backstabbed
Treacherously harmed by ally
- double-crossedBetrayed by supposed ally
- betrayedViolated someone's trust
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
sold out · two-faced · stabbed in the back · deceived · duped · set up · played · conned · hoodwinked · ambushed
cheap shot
Unfair attack or remark
knockout · KO · blindside hit · king hit · dropped · decked · clocked · laid out · flattened · felled
cheap shot
Unfair attack or remark
- low blowUnfair, unsportsmanlike strike
- dirty playUnethical competitive conduct
- unsportsmanlikeContrary to athletic ethics
foul · underhanded · cowardly · sneaky · unfair · unjust · dishonorable · below the belt · gutless · unprovoked