# give someone a bloody nose

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-a-bloody-nose
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To defeat or frustrate someone, but without doing any permanent damage.

## Examples

- The underdog team gave the champions a bloody nose in the final match.
- Although the smaller company lost the contract, they gave the industry giant a bloody nose by winning several smaller bids.
- The opposition party gave the government a bloody nose during the debate, forcing them to reconsider their controversial new policy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.