deal somebody/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

deal somebody/something a ˈblow

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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