sucker punch

• Coup inattendu, surtout porté sans avertissement ; également utilisé au sens figuré pour décrire une attaque soudaine et déloyale ou un revers imprévu.

An unexpected punch or blow, especially one delivered without warning; also used figuratively to describe a sudden, unfair attack or setback.

1. Unexpected blowB2informal

   A sudden, unexpected punch or hit, often given when the recipient is not prepared.

   coup de poing surprise

   • He was knocked out by a sucker punch in the bar fight.
   • The boxer was disqualified for throwing a sucker punch after the bell.
   • She caught him off guard with a sucker punch.

2. Unexpected setbackB2informal

   A sudden, surprising event that causes a major problem or disappointment.

   coup de poignard dans le dos

   • The news of the layoffs was a real sucker punch for the team.
   • Losing the championship game was a sucker punch to their morale.
   • The sudden increase in rent was a sucker punch to their budget.