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.

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
See also:
  • deal somebody/something a blow
  • dealt
  • have a bad effect
  • have a bad effect (on someone or something)
  • married
  • marry
  • marry above oneself
  • above
  • above (oneself)
  • above yourself