Figurative Language Vocabulary

noun a powerful punch or blow typically delivered with a swinging motion

• The boxer delivered a powerful haymaker to his opponent, knocking him out cold.
• When he insulted my friend, I couldn't help but throw a haymaker at him.
• I heard Mike threw a haymaker at the party last night after too many drinks.
• The CEO's decision to cut half the workforce was a real haymaker to the employees.

verb to chop or cut something with an axe, sword, or other sharp tool

• The carpenter used a chisel to hew the wood into shape.
• I watched the lumberjack hew down the tree with his axe.
• He hewed through the crowd to get to the front of the line.
• She had to hew her own path in a male-dominated industry.