left hook
left hook · left hooks
A powerful punch thrown with the left hand, typically after a jab or a straight punchA powerful punch thrown with the left hand, typically after a jab or a straight punch.
» Tyson followed up the jab with a left hook.
Meaning
2 sensesA powerful punch thrown with the left hand, typically after a jab or a straight punch.
(figuratively, idiomatic)A surprise assault.
Just when he thought that the cross-examination was over and he'd parried the questions successfully, one of the lawyers stood up and threw a left hook that left him spluttering.
Examples
1 sentencesTyson followed up the jab with a left hook.