cheap-shot
Below the belt
A cheap shot is an unfair or unsporting attack—originally in sports, a hit delivered when the opponent isn't ready or after play has stopped.
The meaning extends to any verbal or physical blow that exploits vulnerability rather than engaging fairly: That comment about his divorce was a cheap shot.
As a verb, to cheap-shot someone is to attack them this way.
Contrary to athletic ethics
- headhuntingRecruiting talent from competitors
- clippingPiece cut out
- elbowingPushing with bent arm
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
Blow dealt without warning
- blindsideSurprise with unexpected force
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- cowardlyWithout bravery or nerve
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
dirty · unexpected · unprovoked · deliberate
Unjust or partial
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
- cowardlyWithout bravery or nerve
- dishonorableLacking integrity or ethics
- unethicalViolating moral standards
sneaky · exploitative · opportunistic · low · shameful · unscrupulous · craven · ignoble
unsportsmanlike
Contrary to athletic ethics
- headhuntingRecruiting talent from competitors
- clippingPiece cut out
- elbowingPushing with bent arm
sucker-punch
Blow dealt without warning
- blindsideSurprise with unexpected force
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- cowardlyWithout bravery or nerve
underhanded · dirty · unexpected · unprovoked · deliberate
put-down
Disparaging remark
barb · taunt · mockery · cutting · sarcasm · derision · gibe · slight · backhanded · passive-aggressive
unfair
Unjust or partial
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
- cowardlyWithout bravery or nerve
- dishonorableLacking integrity or ethics
unethical · sneaky · exploitative · opportunistic · low · shameful · unscrupulous · craven · ignoble · contemptible
cheap-shotfair play
Honorable conduct in games
sportsmanship · clean hit · gentlemanly conduct · square dealing · constructive criticism
cheap, shot, cheaper, cheapest, cheaply, cheapness, cheapen, cheapened, cheapening