dealt a deep blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dealt a deep blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a significant setback or emotional distress. Example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy dealt a deep blow to the employees who had dedicated years of their lives to the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You were dealt a deep blow.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Later, while he was attending the nearby Lawrenceville School, his father's death dealt a "deep emotional blow", according to historian Arthur Waldron.

Wikipedia

But politically, failing to pass CAFTA would be a deep blow to the Bush administration.

The Economist

But a high-profile failure would deliver a deep blow to already disheartened forces.

The Washington Post

While La Cañada will be in contention for a league crown, hopes for a deep postseason run were dealt a huge blow when the Spartans were moved up five divisions to Division I-A.

Los Angeles Times

Abnormally warm water since June appears to have dealt a blow to shallow and deep-sea corals that is likely to top the devastation of 2005, when 80% of corals were bleached and as many as 40% died in areas on the eastern side of the Caribbean.

Science Magazine

The slave trade dealt a fatal blow.

The Guardian

Andrew W. Evans dealt a sharp blow to the Comanche at Soldier Spring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His agenda has been dealt a mighty blow.

The Economist

The recalls dealt a devastating blow to Toyota.

The New York Times

THE recession dealt a double blow to many nonprofits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dealt a deep blow", consider the emotional impact you want to convey. This phrase suggests a significant, often emotional, setback.

Common error

Avoid using "dealt a deep blow" for minor inconveniences. This phrase should be reserved for situations involving significant negative consequences or emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dealt a deep blow" functions as a verb phrase, where "dealt" is the past tense of "deal", indicating an action that has been completed. It describes the act of causing a significant negative impact or setback.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dealt a deep blow" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a significant setback or emotional distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, though its intensity suggests reserving it for genuinely impactful situations. While not overly common, it effectively conveys a profound negative consequence. When considering related phrases, it's essential to choose alternatives that match the desired tone and specific aspect of the negative impact you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflicted a heavy setback

Replaces "blow" with "setback" and uses "inflicted" for a more formal tone.

caused significant damage

Focuses on the resulting harm rather than the act of delivering the blow.

delivered a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the completeness of the loss or failure.

imposed a severe hardship

Highlights the difficulty and suffering caused.

precipitated a major crisis

Focuses on the crisis resulting from the action.

led to substantial losses

Highlights the losses incurred as a result of the action.

created a profound disadvantage

Emphasizes the resulting disadvantage.

meted out a serious punishment

Shifts the focus to punishment or retribution.

exacted a terrible toll

Emphasizes the cost or sacrifice involved.

brought considerable suffering

Focuses on the suffering that resulted.

FAQs

How can I use "dealt a deep blow" in a sentence?

You can use "dealt a deep blow" to describe a situation where someone or something has experienced a significant setback or emotional distress. For example: "The company's failure to innovate "dealt a deep blow" to its market position".

What are some alternatives to "dealt a deep blow"?

You can use alternatives like "inflicted a heavy setback", "caused significant damage", or "delivered a crushing defeat", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "dealt a deep blow" can be used in formal writing, but it's essential to ensure the tone matches the context. Alternatives such as "inflicted a heavy setback" might be preferable in some formal situations.

What is the difference between "dealt a deep blow" and "dealt a serious blow"?

"Dealt a deep blow" suggests a more profound and emotional impact than "dealt a serious blow". "Deep" implies a more profound level of distress or damage.