pack a punch

present singular third person packs a punch · participle present packing a punch · participle past packed a punch · past packed a punch

1. informalTo be capable of throwing a strong punch.

   Lord, that boy sure can pack a punch.

   2 more examples

   Memphis Bill was known to pack a punch.

   1930 June, Victor R. Daly, “Private Walker Goes Patrolling”, in The Crisis, volume 37, number 6, page 199

   If gorillas do fight, injuries can be very serious as these animals have long canine teeth and silverbacks pack a punch estimated at eight times stronger than a heavyweight boxer.

   2009, Mary Fitzpatrick, Lonely Planet East Africa, Lonely Planet, page 77

   Synonyms: pack a wallop

2. informalTo be capable of having a swift and powerful effect.

   Lord, that moonshine sure does pack a punch.

   3 more examples

   They go in for statements, slogans, cartoons, pictures, and posters that "pack a punch."

   1942, Robert Allen Griffin, School of the citizen soldier: adapted from the educational program of the Second Army, Lieutenant General Ben Lear, commanding, D. Appleton-Century Company, Incorporated, page 500

   Second, prepare the choices as one-liners. Each one should pack a punch and be so polished that it will jump off the screen into the minds of the audience and create a funny picture.

   2003, Ronald A. Berk, Professors are from Mars, students are from Snickers: how to write and deliver humor in the classroom and in professional presentations, Stylus Publishing, LLC., page 30

   It was a poignant scene that packed quite a punch with both champions — and plenty of observers — in tears as Federer called it a career.

   2023 May 18, Christopher Clarey, “Even as He’s Out, Rafael Nadal Will Always Be a Part of the French Open”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms: pack a wallop