Dictionary

phantom punch en · NOUN

Meanings

1. A feigned punch with the fist.
   • “I need you to practice because the end of this nightmare is coming to an end. Leon, you have to fight if you're to return to Los Angeles.” ... Zion threw a mean, phantom punch at some guy who tried to attack first. His entire face caved into his mouth. 2006, Ashaki Boelter, Destined to Win, Shakalot High Entertainment,, →ISBN, page 139:
   • In only his second defense he took on Mike Tyson and found himself on the losing end of a very questionable first-round knockout. (It seemed he was dropped by a phantom punch.) That was Seldon's last fight... 2005, David E. Finger, Rocky Lives!: Heavyweight Boxing Upsets of The 1990s, Brassey's, →ISBN, page 29:
   • He smiled and faked a hook to Frank's midsection. The idea of the phantom punch hitting his throbbing liver pushed Frank back onto the heels of his plain polished shoes. 1998, House on Fire, Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, page 111:
   • “You know that many people said it was a phantom punch, that you threw yourself down?” 2002, Alessandro Baricco, translated by Ann Goldstein, City, Alfred A. Knopf Incorporated, →ISBN, page 322:
   • The first part of the act went off smoothly. One of the brothers responded to the phantom punch and stumbled off the stage onto the floor. 1984, Lewis A. Erenberg, Steppin’ Out: New York Nightlife and the Transformation of American Culture, 1890-1930, University of Chicago Press, →ISBN, pages 127–128:

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