deal (someone or something) a blow

deal (someone or something) a blow

To adversely effect or detract from someone or something. Getting a bad grade in my favorite subject really dealt my self-confidence a blow. Despite the company's recent success, the massive recall dealt it quite a blow.

See also: blow, deal

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

deal somebody/something a ˈblow

,

deal a blow to somebody/something

be a shock for somebody; make something fail, etc: The death of her father dealt her a terrible blow. ♢ Losing his job dealt a blow to his hopes of buying his own house.

See also: blow, deal, somebody, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017