sucker punch

English

Alternative forms

• sucker-punch

Noun

sucker punch (plural sucker punches)

1. (idiomatic) An unexpected punch or similar blow.
   • 2011 January 8, Chris Bevan, “Arsenal 1 - 1 Leeds”, BBC:

     The Championship highflyers almost got their reward for a resilient performance on their first visit to the Emirates, surviving a flurry of first-half Arsenal chances before hitting back with a classic sucker punch.

2. (idiomatic) A punch which is thrown to disable another in a place which is not normally a target in a "fair fight", such as on the back of the head.

Synonyms

• (punch in a place that is not a target in a fair fight): rabbit punch

Verb

to sucker punch

1. (idiomatic) To deliver an unexpected blow.