VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

light blow

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌlaɪt ˈbləʊ/
US/ˌlaɪt ˈbloʊ/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A hit or strike that is not strong or forceful.

    Grammar: Countable: a light blow, two light blows. 'Blow' here means a hit, not the verb 'to blow' air.

    Patterns

    • a light blow to something
    • receive a light blow
    • give someone a light blow

    The branch gave him a light blow on the shoulder as he walked past.

    She felt a light blow to her arm and turned to see who had tapped her.

  2. nouncountablefigurative

    A small shock or setback that causes only minor harm.

    Grammar: Often used figuratively with 'to': a light blow to someone's confidence or plans.

    Patterns

    • a light blow to something
    • deal something a light blow

    Losing that small order was only a light blow to the company's plans.

    The criticism was a light blow to his confidence, but he recovered quickly.

Word forms

plurallight blows

Common combinations

a light blow to the head
He took a light blow to the head during the game and sat out the rest.
a light blow on the arm
She gave him a light blow on the arm to get his attention.
a light blow to morale
The delay was a light blow to morale, but the team kept working.
suffer a light blow
The old car suffered a light blow in the parking lot.
a light blow with a stick
A light blow with a stick knocked the fruit from the tree.

Synonyms and how they differ

tap
A tap is a quick, gentle touch, usually with the fingers; a light blow can be a little stronger and may come from an object.
knock
A knock is usually firmer and often makes a sound, while a light blow can be almost silent.
nudge
A nudge is a gentle push, often with the elbow, and suggests moving someone rather than striking them.

Opposites

heavy blowhard blow

Word family

blow noun
A hit or strike; also a sudden shock or disappointment.
blow verb
To move air, or to hit something hard.
blow noun
In the phrase 'come to blows', meaning to start fighting.

Commonly confused: light blow or blow? light blow or light blow?

light blow vs blow

As a verb, 'blow' usually means to send out air (blow out the candles); as a noun in this phrase it means a hit. Context tells you which is meant.

light blow vs light blow

Do not confuse this with 'low blow', which means an unfair hit or an unfair remark.

Practice

Which sentence uses 'light blow' correctly?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “light blow”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words