phantom punch

phantom punch (plural phantom punches)

1. A feigned punch with the fist.
   • 1984, Lewis A. Erenberg, Steppin’ Out: New York Nightlife and the Transformation of American Culture, 1890-1930, University of Chicago Press, →ISBN, pages 127–128:

     The first part of the act went off smoothly. One of the brothers responded to the phantom punch and stumbled off the stage onto the floor.

   • 1998, House on Fire, Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, page 111:

     He smiled and faked a hook to Frank's midsection. The idea of the phantom punch hitting his throbbing liver pushed Frank back onto the heels of his plain polished shoes.

   • 2002, Alessandro Baricco, translated by Ann Goldstein, City, Alfred A. Knopf Incorporated, →ISBN, page 322:

     “You know that many people said it was a phantom punch, that you threw yourself down?”

   • 2006, Ashaki Boelter, Destined to Win, Shakalot High Entertainment,, →ISBN, page 139:

     “I need you to practice because the end of this nightmare is coming to an end. Leon, you have to fight if you're to return to Los Angeles.” ... Zion threw a mean, phantom punch at some guy who tried to attack first. His entire face caved into his mouth.

   • 2005, David E. Finger, Rocky Lives!: Heavyweight Boxing Upsets of The 1990s, Brassey's, →ISBN, page 29:

     In only his second defense he took on Mike Tyson and found himself on the losing end of a very questionable first-round knockout. (It seemed he was dropped by a phantom punch.) That was Seldon's last fight...