heypolyglot
Italian

bastonata

/bastoˈnaːta/noun · feminineC1
Extended vocabulary · Vocabulary rank 9,558

Meaning

blow; setback

  • a blow struck with a stick or cane
  • a severe defeat, disappointment, or heavy financial blow

In a sentence

Quella bolletta imprevista è stata una vera bastonata per la famiglia.

That unexpected utility bill was a real blow to the family.

La squadra ha subito una pesante bastonata nella finale di campionato.

The team suffered a heavy blow in the championship final.

Non meritava una simile bastonata dopo mesi di duro lavoro.

He didn't deserve such a harsh setback after months of hard work.

Word forms (2)
WordWord forms
bastonatafeminine · singular
bastonatefeminine · plural

Usage notes

  • Formed with suffix '-ata', denoting a blow dealt with an object ('bastone').
  • Frequently used figuratively for unexpected bad news or heavy expenses.

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