killing blow
[ˈkɪlɪŋ bloʊ]
nounpl: killing blows
golpe mortal
1. A decisive action or attack that results in the defeat, destruction, or end of something or someone
The final report was the killing blow to his political career.
O relatório final foi o golpe mortal para sua carreira política.
2. In combat or sports, a strike or move that decisively defeats an opponent
The boxer delivered a killing blow in the third round.
O boxeador desferiu um golpe mortal no terceiro round.
3. A move that ends a game or competition conclusively
That checkmate was the killing blow in the chess match.
Aquele xeque-mate foi o golpe mortal na partida de xadrez.
This phrase is widely used in both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese contexts, particularly in sports commentary, business contexts describing company failures, and political discourse. In NYC, the expression is commonly heard in boxing and combat sports culture. The metaphorical use has become standard in discussing decisive defeats across various fields without implying actual violence.
NYC Slang
knockout / K.O. / the finishing move
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