a crushing blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crushing blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant setback or disappointment, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy was a crushing blow to the employees who had dedicated years of their lives to the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a crushing blow.

Independent

This seemed, at first, a crushing blow.

The Economist

"It's a crushing blow for me.

Independent

Kennedy's murder was a crushing blow to this complex.

University of California, Berkeley

For Halladay, the injury was a crushing blow.

The New York Times - Sports

For many a Chicagoan it was a crushing blow.

The New York Times - Sports

She was asked to drop out, a crushing blow.

The New York Times

The next day, Stars & Stripes dealt a crushing blow.

The New York Times - Sports

The tumor's return in January was a crushing blow.

The Washington Post

This blunder defends f7 but allows a crushing blow.

The Guardian - Sport

"For a young child, struggling to read can be a crushing blow with lifelong consequences.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a crushing blow" to emphasize the severity of a negative event or outcome. It adds emotional weight and highlights the significant impact of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a crushing blow" for minor inconveniences or slight disappointments. Its strong connotation is best reserved for truly impactful negative events to maintain its effectiveness and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crushing blow" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something that has caused significant damage or disappointment, as seen in Ludwig's examples from news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crushing blow" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys a significant negative impact or disappointment. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where the negative impact is truly substantial to avoid diluting its effect. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "a devastating setback" or "a severe disappointment" to maintain a similar level of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating setback

Focuses on the negative consequences and hindrance implied by the original phrase.

a severe disappointment

Highlights the feeling of unmet expectations and disillusionment.

a major setback

Emphasizes the hindrance to progress caused by the event.

a bitter disappointment

Adds an element of emotional negativity to the idea of unfulfilled expectations.

a significant reverse

Highlights a change from a positive direction to a negative one.

a knockout punch

Implies a decisive and overwhelming defeat or failure.

a crippling setback

Emphasizes the disabling and limiting nature of the negative event.

a fatal blow

Implies that something has ended because of the blow.

a hammer blow

Emphasizes the strength and force of the impact.

a rude awakening

Emphasizes the shock and surprise associated with the realization of the negative situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a crushing blow" in a sentence?

You can use "a crushing blow" to describe something that causes significant disappointment or damage. For instance, "The team's loss was "a crushing blow" to their championship hopes."

What are some alternatives to "a crushing blow"?

Alternatives include "a devastating setback", "a severe disappointment", or "a major setback", depending on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a crushing blow" in formal writing?

Yes, "a crushing blow" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant negative events in news reports, academic analyses, or business contexts. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "a crushing blow" and "a setback"?

"A crushing blow" implies a more significant and emotionally impactful negative event than "a setback". A setback is a temporary hindrance, while "a crushing blow" suggests a more profound and potentially long-lasting negative consequence.