heavy blow

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy blow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a figurative or literal strike or impact with serious consequences. For example, you could say, "The news of his wife's death was a heavy blow that he never fully recovered from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is a heavy blow.

The Economist

This criticism struck Schelling a heavy blow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He had a heavy blow afterwards.

Independent

Maqsood manages to land a heavy blow.

Independent

Jack Straw landed a heavy blow on Ms May.

The Guardian

"It was a heavy blow when they hit".

The New York Times - Arts

But the recession dealt a heavy blow to Mr. Leviev's highly leveraged company.

The New York Times

That recall dealt a heavy blow to the company's sales and reputation in the United States.

The New York Times

A decrease of this magnitude in available income is a heavy blow.

The New York Times

But the successes of recent years have dealt risk aversion a heavy blow.

The New York Times

— JOANNE C. GERSTNER Shields landed a heavy blow, yielding a standing eight count for Laurell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavy blow" to describe situations where the impact is both significant and emotionally or strategically damaging. It's effective in conveying the weight of negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy blow" in overly casual or trivial situations. Its gravitas can sound melodramatic if the context doesn't warrant such serious language. Consider lighter alternatives for minor setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy blow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It describes an event or piece of news that has a significantly negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Academia

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy blow" is a commonly used noun phrase employed to describe a significantly negative impact or event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, where it serves to emphasize the seriousness of situations. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where the impact is truly substantial to avoid sounding overdramatic. Alternatives such as "severe setback" or ""devastating impact"" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating impact

Stresses the destructive consequences of an event.

significant setback

Underscores the importance and impact of the obstacle.

harsh setback

Emphasizes the severity and difficulty of the setback.

severe setback

Focuses on the negative impact as a reversal of progress.

crushing defeat

Highlights the completeness and intensity of the failure.

substantial reverse

Focuses on the backward movement from a previously positive position.

major disappointment

Emphasizes the feeling of being let down significantly.

bitter disappointment

Highlights the feeling of being let down with bitterness.

serious adversity

Highlights the challenging and unfavorable conditions.

grave misfortune

Emphasizes the seriousness and unfortunate nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "heavy blow" to describe a significant setback or disappointment, for example, "The company's failure to secure the contract was a "heavy blow" to its expansion plans."

What are some alternatives to "heavy blow"?

Alternatives to "heavy blow" include "serious setback", "crushing defeat", or "devastating impact", depending on the specific context.

Is "heavy blow" formal or informal?

"Heavy blow" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in news, media, and professional settings. Consider the tone of your writing when choosing this phrase.

What makes "heavy blow" different from "setback"?

"Heavy blow" implies a more forceful and impactful negative event than a simple "setback". A setback might be a minor delay, while a "heavy blow" suggests significant damage or disruption.