Meaning of "dealt a blow" in these sentences?

1) Very many died without ever a chance of dealing a blow in return.•

2) It also dealt a blow to his testimonial, which nevertheless realised more than £2000.

3) His stance was apologetic, almost cringing as if he expected to be dealt a blow.

Thanks in advance.

Question

Meaning of "dealt a blow" in these sentences?

1) Very many died without ever a chance of dealing a blow in return.•

2) It also dealt a blow to his testimonial, which nevertheless realised more than £2000.

3) His stance was apologetic, almost cringing as if he expected to be dealt a blow.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Dealing is like when playing cards. It means giving someone something like the dealer giving out the cards.  In these cases "dealing blows" means inflicting damage on someone.

Answer

When boxers are fighting we say they are "exchanging blows". The word blows in this context is a synonym for punches. We use it figuratively when talking about a non physical conflict.

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