sucker-punch

[ suhk-er-puhnch ]
/ ˈsʌk ərˌpʌntʃ /

verb (used with object) Slang.

to strike (someone) with an unexpected blow.

OTHER WORDS FROM sucker-punch

sucker punch, noun

British Dictionary definitions for sucker punch

sucker punch

noun

a sudden surprise punch, esp from behind
a sudden unexpected defeat or setback

Idioms and Phrases with sucker punch

sucker punch

An unexpected blow, as in They felt that suddenly raising the interest rate was a sucker punch to the administration. This expression comes from boxing, where it is used for a punch delivered unexpectedly; boxing great Jack Dempsey wrote, “The right lead [for a right-handed boxer] is called a sucker punch.” [Slang; mid-1900s]