1.
decisive blow; clincher; deciding factor
Something that conclusively determines an outcome. Originally from sports (a decisive hit or play), now widely used figuratively for the final factor that settles a matter.
決定打に欠ける試合だった。
It was a match that lacked a decisive blow.
この問題にはまだ決定打となる解決策がない。
There is still no conclusive solution to this problem.
彼の証言が裁判の決定打になった。
His testimony became the decisive factor in the trial.
A compound of 決定 (decision) + 打 (hit/blow). Originally a sports term (a decisive hit), now widely used figuratively for anything that conclusively settles a matter.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 決定打に欠ける: to lack a decisive factor (very common — often describes indecisive situations)
- 決定打を放つ: to deliver a decisive blow
- 決定打になる: to become the clincher
- 決定打がない: there is no decisive factor
USAGE:
Frequently used in sports commentary, news, business discussions, and everyday conversation. The negative pattern (決定打に欠ける) is especially common.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 決め手: deciding factor (more casual, broader usage)
- 致命傷: fatal blow (stronger, implies destruction)