at a blow
一擊,一舉,一下子
Blow, n.
1. A forcible stroke with the hand, fist, or some instrument, as a rod, a club, an ax, or a sword.
Well struck ! there was blow for blow. --Shak.
2. A sudden or forcible act or effort; an assault.
A vigorous blow might win [Hanno's camp]. --T. Arnold.
3. The infliction of evil; a sudden calamity; something which produces mental, physical, or financial suffering or loss (esp. when sudden); a buffet.
A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows. --Shak.
At a blow, suddenly; at one effort; by a single vigorous act. “They lose a province at a blow.” --Dryden.
To come to blows, to engage in combat; to fight; -- said of individuals, armies, and nations.
Syn: -- Stroke; knock; shock; misfortune.