hammer blow
The term "hammer blow" is versatile, describing both physical impacts and metaphorical setbacks, with specialized meanings in rail transport.
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Definition
B2General
(common)A sudden and devastating setback or defeat.
Example
- The news of the store's closure was a hammer blow to the community.
- Losing the championship in the final minute was a hammer blow for the team.
B1Mechanics
(technical)A forceful impact or strike delivered by a hammer.
Example
- He drove the nail into the wood with a single hammer blow.
- The hammer blow left a dent in the metal sheet.
C1Rail Transport
(technical, specific)A vertical force on the rails caused by the unbalanced parts of a steam locomotive's driving wheels.
Example
- Engineers must account for the hammer blow to maintain track integrity.
- The hammer blow from the locomotive's wheels can cause significant wear on the rails.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hammer blow":
hammer fistclaw hammerhammer and anviltoffee hammerhammer pricewater hammerbody blowstrike a blow