Idiom of the Day

“Double whammy”

A “double whammy” is being

hit with two events of misfortune at the same time. Maybe your car won’t start while trying to go to work, and then your child gets sick and vomits on your business suit you picked out for your presentation at 9:00 AM. This would be a “double whammy.” “Whammies” in the US are bad events or bad luck that hit you. The origin comes from a popular comic book from the 1940’s, but the term “whammy” is still being used in game shows and casual conversations.