A: I remember you have a cousin working in the local government. How’s he doing now?

B: He was close with the previous mayor, who resigned last year after a corruption scandal. That event was a body blow to my cousin’s political career, and he retired to the private sector.

Note: This term literally means “a strong hit to one’s body,” and can be metaphor for “a large disappointment or setback.” This term comes from boxing, where since the 18th century it has been used to refer to a punch that is landing between the opponent’s chest and navel. For example: These tax concessions could soon be abolished, which will be a body blow to the manufacturers.