backhander
- noun
- I gave him a backhander.
Examples
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I scored with a little flip backhander that hit the back of the net like a strong fist trying to poke through it.
Fiction book (1998) -
She had bruised cheeks two months ago, as if he'd given her a couple of backhanders.
Fiction book (1998) -
After being fed a pass from the boards by Jankowski, Army skated in close on the Huskies' goal before firing a backhander to extend the Friars' lead to 3-0.
Blog text (20) -
After missing the goal with a regular shot, he scored beautifully with a backhander that caught the goalie off guard.
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She swiftly delivered a backhander to her opponent during the practice match.
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The player surprised everyone by scoring a goal with a quick backhander from behind the net.
Synonyms
A sharp blow with an open hand
A quick light slap given in play
Hitting someone with an open hand like a slap
How Hard
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Backhander comes from backhand, which itself joins back and hand and means the 'back of the hand'. Think of a quick slap using the back of your hand—like a sharp tennis backhand—and you have the image: a backhander is a blow delivered with the back of the hand.