draw blood

draw blood

English

Verb

draw blood

1. This term needs a definition. Please help out and add a definition, then remove the text {{rfdef}}.

   to draw first blood

2. (figuratively) To have an injurious effect; to strike home, as a barb or insult.
   • 1966, Stringfellow Barr, The Mask of Jove

     He lacked the art of wounding with the sword, and in any case his critics charged that he shrank from steel; but his invective was worthy of Demosthenes and his words drew blood.

References

• “draw blood” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.
• “draw blood” in Merriam–Webster Online Dictionary.
• “draw blood” (US) / “draw blood” (UK) in Macmillan English Dictionary.