a double whammy

USAGE SUMMARY

"a double whammy" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where two bad things happen at once. For example: "I just found out that I got laid off from my job, and the market crashed – it's a real double whammy!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a double whammy.

Independent

This is a double whammy.

The New York Times

That's a double whammy.

The Guardian

What a double whammy.

The Guardian - Film

"It was a double whammy.

The New York Times

"I'm facing a double whammy".

The New York Times

April 7th brought a double whammy.

The Economist

You'd get a double whammy".

The New York Times - Science

The effect is a double whammy.

The New Yorker

"It was a double whammy," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"That makes for a double whammy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a double whammy" when you want to emphasize the unfortunate coincidence of two negative events occurring together or in quick succession to amplify the impact of the situation.

Common error

While "a double whammy" is widely understood, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing. In those cases, opt for more neutral phrases like "a combination of setbacks" or "compounding difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a double whammy" functions as an idiomatic noun phrase that describes a situation characterized by two simultaneous or closely occurring negative events. It is often used to emphasize the unfortunate combination of these events as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a double whammy" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the unfortunate coincidence of two negative events, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's widely used in news and media, with a neutral register, making it suitable for general communication. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, alternatives like "a double blow" or "compounding difficulties" might be preferred in more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a double blow

Emphasizes the impact of two unfortunate events striking at once.

a one-two punch

Suggests a rapid succession of damaging events, like a boxing combination.

a twin burden

Highlights the simultaneous weight or difficulty imposed by two issues.

a confluence of misfortunes

Focuses on the coincidental convergence of unlucky circumstances.

a series of unfortunate events

Emphasizes a chain of bad luck, though not necessarily simultaneous.

a set of setbacks

Highlights the hindrances caused by two negative occurrences.

a combination of calamities

Implies a mix of disastrous events compounding the negative effect.

a heap of troubles

Highlights the significant accumulation of negative issues

a pile of problems

Suggests a large collection of difficulties occurring together.

a bad situation made worse

Emphasizes how an already difficult scenario is exacerbated by another negative factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a double whammy" to describe a situation where two negative events occur simultaneously or in close succession. For example, "Losing my job and having my car break down in the same week was a real "a double whammy"".

What can I say instead of "a double whammy"?

You can use alternatives like "a double blow", "a one-two punch", or "a confluence of misfortunes" depending on the context.

Is "a double whammy" an appropriate phrase for formal writing?

While widely understood, "a double whammy" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "compounding difficulties" or "a combination of setbacks".

What does the idiom "a double whammy" mean?

The idiom "a double whammy" refers to a situation where someone experiences two negative events or pieces of bad luck at or around the same time, making the overall situation significantly worse. It implies a compounding effect of misfortune.