sucker punching

Striking without warning

Sucker punching is hitting someone without warning, especially when they have no chance to defend themselves.

The attack is cowardly by definition—it relies on the victim being distracted or unsuspecting: He got arrested for sucker punching a guy outside the bar.

Figuratively, any unexpected blow or betrayal: The news of the layoffs felt like a sucker punch.

blindsidingSurprising with sudden impact
hitSuccessful contact or strike
cheap shotUnfair attack or remark
ambushSurprise strike from concealment
underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair

sneak attack · fighting · street fight · bar fight · cold cocked · attack · hit from behind · deception · cowardice · KO · knock out · dishonor · strike · betrayal · viral videos · surprise attack · jab · haymaker

Opposites

fairness/warning

sucker punchingsquaring off

Assuming combative stance

combat formality

sucker punchingboxing match

Scheduled combat between pugilists

dueling · sparring · prizefighting · formal challenge · fencing match

honorable vs. dishonorable conduct

sucker punchingstanding one's ground

Refusing to yield position

Family

sucker, punch, suck, punched, punches, punching, sucked, sucking, sucks

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG