a killer for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a killer for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is exceptionally good at or passionate about something, often in a competitive or intense context. Example: "She is a killer for detail, ensuring that every aspect of the project is perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A killer for us," he confided recently.

The Guardian - Sport

The d-word is a killer for many people.

The Washington Post

A shoulder injury is a killer for a tennis player.

Independent

That was not a killer for AT&T.

The New York Times

A defeat would be a killer for Democrats.

The New York Times

The tinier transistors get, the more electricity they leak, a killer for battery-­powered devices.

MIT Technology Review

It was a killer for me to be dropped for that final.

The Guardian - Sport

Of Selig, one major league official said: "This is a killer for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Rose was married to Mikey's father, who was also a killer for hire.

The New York Times

"That's a me-too weight-loss product approach, and that's a killer for me," Mr. Levinson said of celebrity endorsements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Stripped of his badge, Horn became a killer-for-hire.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context, and if appropriate replace the idiom with synonyms which more accurately reflect the magnitude of the event. Example: "fatal for" if the stakes are as such, or instead use "negative effect on" if not so severe

Common error

While impactful, "a killer for" is informal. In academic or professional contexts, opt for alternatives like "detrimental to" or "harmful to" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a killer for" functions as a modifier, typically describing something that has a significantly negative impact on something else. It's used to emphasize the severity of the detrimental effect, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sports

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a killer for" is a commonly used idiom to describe something extremely detrimental. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. While versatile across many contexts, including News & Media, Sports, and Business, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives like "detrimental to" or "harmful to" in academic or professional settings. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase to maintain its impact and consider more precise synonyms based on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating for

This alternative directly replaces "killer" with "devastating", emphasizing the destructive impact.

a major setback for

This alternative is more formal, softening the impact while still indicating significant harm.

extremely harmful to

This phrase directly substitutes "a killer" with the adjective phrase "extremely harmful", making it more explicit.

highly detrimental to

Similar to "extremely harmful", but more formal and technical.

a death knell for

This alternative uses a more figurative expression, suggesting the end or failure of something.

spells disaster for

This alternative uses a more dramatic expression to indicate a negative outcome.

ruinous for

This alternative focuses on the aspect of destruction or ruin caused by something.

a real blow to

This phrase is less severe, indicating a setback or disappointment.

very damaging to

This alternative emphasizes the negative impact or harm caused.

fatal for

This version stresses the potentially lethal or irreversible nature of the impact.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "a killer for" something else?

It means that the first thing is extremely harmful or detrimental to the second. It indicates a severe negative impact.

What can I say instead of "a killer for" in formal writing?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "detrimental to", "harmful to", or "damaging to", which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

How can I use "a killer for" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe anything that has a very negative impact on something else. For example, "The new regulations are a killer for small businesses."

Is "a killer for" an appropriate phrase to use in all situations?

While widely understood, "a killer for" is relatively informal. It's best suited for casual conversation, news articles, or blogs. Avoid using it in formal academic papers or business reports where a more neutral or technical tone is preferred.