PhrasesHub

Double whammy

    Definitions

      • two negative events or circumstances happening at once
        Describing a situation where someone is facing two problems or setbacks simultaneously, making it more difficult to overcome or deal with them.

      • a combination of two powerful or impactful forces
        Referring to a situation where two elements or factors come together to create a significant impact or outcome, often in a negative sense.

    Examples of Double whammy

    • The company's sales plummeted after a double whammy of bad press and a product recall.

      "Double whammy" in this example is used to describe two adverse impacts that hit the company simultaneously. "Bad press" refers to negative media coverage about the company, and "product recall" refers to the company's decision to remove its products from the market due to safety concerns. The combination of these two hit the company hard, causing a significant decline in sales.

    • She scored two goals in the first half, and then she scored another one in the second half, making it a hat trick, followed by a double whammy of goals from her teammate. The opposition team was left reeling.

      In this example, "double whammy" is used in a sports context. After the initial hat trick scored by the player, her teammate added to the tally with a double whammy of goals, resulting in a devastating result for the opposing team. "Double whammy" is used here to indicate the impact of two consecutive goals scored by the opposing team's opponent.

    • The presentation was a double whammy of impressive statistics and persuasive arguments.

      In this example, "double whammy" is used in a business context. The speaker is referring to a presentation that was a perfect combination of statistical evidence and persuasive arguments. This combination left a lasting impression on the audience, making it a double whammy for the speaker.

    • The customer was dealt a double whammy of bad service and high prices.

      In this example, "double whammy" is used to describe two negative experiences that the customer faced simultaneously. Here, "bad service" refers to the poor quality of service provided by the company, and "high prices" refers to the company's high-priced products or services. The combination of these negative experiences left the customer with a bad impression of the company.

    • Jane's presentation hit a double whammy as she first ran out of time and then her computer crashed, leaving the audience bewildered and dissatisfied.

      Here 'double whammy' is used to describe a double disaster that hit Jane's presentation in quick succession. Whammy in slang is used for a powerful blow or impact that makes a person suffer or face disappointment. Here when it is used twice, it signifies a double blow that is more severe and devastating.

    • The rising fuel prices and the depreciating rupee against the dollar have given the country's economy a double whammy, leaving the people worried and anxious.

      Here the phrase 'double whammy' is used to signify that the country is facing two major issues at the same time, leading to a worse situation for the economy.

    • The actors in the play were given a double whammy as they not only had to perform in front of a live audience but also had to repeat their performance for a recording, leaving them exhausted and drained.

      Here the phrase 'double whammy' is used to describe a situation where the actors had to face two challenges simultaneously, leading to a more difficult or arduous condition.

    • The company's sales dropped abruptly due to a lack of funds and the implementation of a new tax, giving the company a double whammy that left its future uncertain.

      Here the phrase 'double whammy' is used to describe a situation where the company was facing two major issues at once that led to a severe setback.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "double whammy" is typically used to describe a situation where someone is facing multiple challenges or obstacles at the same time. It can be used to express sympathy or empathy for someone who is dealing with a difficult situation, or to emphasize the severity of a particular issue.

    In some cases, the phrase may also be used to describe a situation where two powerful or impactful forces come together to create a significant effect. This could refer to a combination of events, circumstances, or even people that have a profound impact on a situation.

    Overall, the phrase "double whammy" is often used in a negative context to describe a challenging or impactful situation, but it can also be used in a more neutral or even humorous way depending on the tone and context in which it is used.

    Origin of "Double whammy"

    The origin of the idiom "double whammy" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early to mid-20th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated in the sport of boxing, where a "whammy" was a powerful punch or blow. A "double whammy" would then refer to a situation where someone was hit twice in quick succession, making it more difficult for them to recover.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the game of craps, where a "whammy" was a roll of two ones on the dice, resulting in a loss for the player. Therefore, a "double whammy" would refer to two consecutive rolls of two ones, resulting in a significant loss.

    Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "double whammy" has become a commonly used phrase in the English language, conveying the idea of facing multiple challenges or obstacles at once, or a combination of powerful forces.