potshot
11
7.2
- noun
- /ˈpɑtˌʃɑt/
- Informal
:
pulla
- Is it perhaps easier to sit on the sidelines and take potshots?
- take a potshot
And, you know, they'll take potshots and stuff at a fire truck going down the street or a police car.
- And, you know, they'll take potshots and stuff at a fire truck going down the street or a police car.
- I think, you know, you hear people taking potshots at priests for being celibate or being pedophiles or being insane or whatever.
Examples
-
The Hong Kong press takes frequent potshots at the colonial government, and interest in China's politics has always been high.
Academic text (1990) -
So, Lee, what are you taking a potshot at this week - rabbits or fascists?
Fiction book (1991) -
Somebody could take a potshot from in there.
-
Perhaps I might even take a few potshots at the train.
-
You take potshots at a great man - trying to get something done.
-
I have noticed that you like to parachute in and take potshots at others.
Blog text (5) -
In this blog, Terry will never miss an opportunity to assail political correctness or take potshots at the conventional foolishness.
Blog text (12) -
The politician took a potshot at his opponents during the debate, making fun of their policies.
-
In her review, she made a few potshots at the author for his simplistic writing style.
-
The comic strip often includes potshots at celebrities, poking fun at their lifestyles.
Synonyms
175
5.9
A short angry remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
7
5.2
An unfair comment that attacks someone who cannot defend themselves
2
7.4
A short mocking remark meant to hurt or annoy someone
Antonyms
How Deliberate
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Potshot joins pot and shot and began as the idea of a quick, chance 'shot' at an easy target, perhaps even a cooking 'pot'. So today a potshot means a careless attack or criticism that is not carefully planned.