1.
direct hit, direct strike
A strike or impact that hits a target head-on. Commonly used for natural disasters (typhoons, earthquakes) hitting an area directly, as well as for confronting someone in person (especially in journalism).
台風が本州を直撃した。
The typhoon made a direct hit on Honshu.
レポーターが大臣を直撃インタビューした。
The reporter ambush-interviewed the minister.
円安が家計を直撃し、食費が大幅に増えた。
The weak yen hit household finances directly, and food costs increased significantly.
USAGE:
Very common in news reporting. The pattern 台風が～を直撃 (a typhoon directly strikes ~) is heard frequently during typhoon season. In journalism, 直撃インタビュー or 直撃取材 means confronting someone for an impromptu interview. Also used figuratively for economic impacts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 台風が直撃する: a typhoon makes a direct hit
- 直撃インタビュー: ambush/doorstep interview
- 経済を直撃する: to hit the economy directly
- 直撃弾: a direct hit (projectile)