a fatal blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fatal blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decisive or lethal impact, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in discussions about competition, arguments, or physical confrontations. Example: "The unexpected resignation of the CEO dealt a fatal blow to the company's stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Katrina didn't deliver a fatal blow.

The New Yorker

White's 50 Ra4! was a fatal blow.

The New York Times

The slave trade dealt a fatal blow.

The Guardian

That would be a fatal blow to his presidential authority.

The Economist

At least this time it wasn't a fatal blow.

The Guardian - Sport

For businesses that run on intellectual talent, it can be a fatal blow.

The Guardian

The daring, risky bombing dealt a fatal blow to Saddam Hussein's pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

Instead, it could prove a fatal blow to his career," the paper said.

The New York Times

"This is a fatal blow, and it will probably only get worse.

The New York Times

Refarming, telecom operators charge, will deal a fatal blow to the telecom sector.

The New York Times

He nodded and waited for reality to deal him what would be a fatal blow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fatal blow", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being decisively ended or severely damaged. For instance, specify "a fatal blow to their hopes" rather than just "a fatal blow."

Common error

Avoid using "a fatal blow" in situations where the impact is minor or easily recoverable. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fatal blow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It describes a decisive action or event that causes significant damage or complete failure, consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Sport

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Huffington Post

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fatal blow" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a decisive and devastating impact, often leading to irreversible damage or complete failure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in minor situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a crushing defeat" or "a mortal wound" to vary your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "a fatal blow" to convey significant consequences in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the final nail in the coffin

An idiom suggesting the end of something, highlighting the last event that caused failure.

a crippling blow

Emphasizes the disabling effect of the impact, suggesting a lasting and severe impairment.

the death knell

An idiom indicating the end of something, often used in a more formal or literary context.

a mortal wound

Implies a wound that leads to death, either literally or metaphorically.

a knockout punch

Refers to a decisive blow that ends a competition, metaphorically suggesting a decisive defeat.

a devastating strike

Highlights the destructive nature of the impact, suggesting a severe and damaging effect.

a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the loss or failure.

a decisive setback

Focuses on the impact being a setback, implying a hindrance to progress rather than complete destruction.

an irreversible setback

Focuses on the irreparable nature of the damage or obstacle.

a game-changer

Indicates that a turning point was reached and things changed for better or worse.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fatal blow" to describe an action or event that causes a decisive or irreversible defeat, damage, or end. For example: "The new tax law dealt "a fatal blow" to small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "a fatal blow"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a crushing defeat", "a mortal wound", or "the final nail in the coffin".

Is it appropriate to use "a fatal blow" in a business context?

Yes, "a fatal blow" can be used in a business context to describe a significant setback or a decision that leads to the failure of a project or company. For example: "The loss of their biggest client was "a fatal blow" to the startup's prospects."

What is the difference between "a fatal blow" and "a serious setback"?

"A fatal blow" implies an end or irreversible damage, while "a serious setback" suggests a temporary hindrance that can be overcome. A fatal blow has a much stronger, more decisive connotation.