draw blood

verb2

1. •
   To wound one's opponent in such a way that they bleed.
2. •
   (figurative) To have an injurious effect; to strike home, as a barb or insult.

   • He lacked the art of wounding with the sword, and in any case his critics charged that he shrank from steel; but his invective was worthy of Demosthenes and his words drew blood. — 1966