a double blow

USAGE SUMMARY

'a double blow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to two negative events that happen at the same time. For example: "Losing his job and having his car break down on the same day was a double blow for John."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The violence deals peace a double blow.

The Economist

The financial crisis has dealt them a double blow.

The Economist

THE recession dealt a double blow to many nonprofits.

The New York Times

And Adonis has been dealt a double blow.

The Guardian - Opinion

These numbers are a double blow to Labour.

The Guardian

Businesses are suffering a double blow: sky-high interest rates and a slump in domestic demand.

The Economist

For teachers, he said, losing that February break could feel like a double blow.

The New York Times

But Pennsylvania could deal a double blow to Mr Obama's prestige.

Independent

But in less than a week, those Cypriot ambitions have been dealt a double blow.

The New York Times

For Galina the loss of her father was a double blow.

The Economist

A double blow ReprintsThe return on investment is harder to calculate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a double blow" when you want to emphasize that two negative events have occurred, making a situation significantly worse. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a double blow" in positive or neutral situations. This phrase inherently carries a negative connotation and should only be used to describe unfortunate events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a double blow" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used to describe two negative events happening together, intensifying the negative impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a double blow" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe two unfortunate events occurring simultaneously, intensifying the negative impact. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and widespread occurrence, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, it should be reserved for genuinely negative situations. Related phrases like "a double whammy" and "a two-pronged setback" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid using it in positive or neutral contexts, as this would be grammatically incorrect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a double whammy

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the forceful impact of two negative events.

a two-pronged setback

This alternative highlights the dual nature of the negative event and its hindering effect.

a dual setback

This alternative simply emphasizes the two-fold aspect of the misfortune.

a twofold disaster

This alternative highlights the disastrous and two-part nature of the event.

a pair of misfortunes

This alternative focuses on the occurrence of two unfortunate events.

a combination of setbacks

This alternative suggests multiple setbacks contributing to a difficult situation.

a one-two punch

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that emphasizes the rapid succession of two negative events.

a twin calamity

This alternative emphasizes the disastrous nature of both events occurring together.

a correlated misfortune

This alternative suggests misfortunes that are in some way connected or related.

a compounded adversity

This alternative highlights the intensified negative impact due to combined adverse circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a double blow" to describe a situation where two negative events happen, worsening an already difficult situation. For example, "Losing the contract and then having key personnel leave was "a double blow" to the company".

What are some alternatives to saying "a double blow"?

Some alternatives to "a double blow" include "a double whammy", "a two-pronged setback", or "a dual setback", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "double blow" formal or informal?

"Double blow" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversation. The level of formality depends on the surrounding language.

What does it mean when something is described as "a double blow"?

When something is described as "a double blow", it means that two negative events have occurred, compounding the difficulty of the situation. This phrase is used to emphasize the increased adversity.