cheap-shots

Hits below belt

Cheap-shots is the plural of cheap shot—an unfair or unsporting attack, whether physical or verbal.

In sports, a cheap shot is a blow delivered when the opponent isn't prepared or after play has stopped.

More broadly, it's any criticism or attack that exploits an unfair advantage: The debate devolved into cheap-shots about his divorce.

To cheap-shot someone is to attack them this way.

verbal

insult

Offensive remark or action

  • digUnearth by shoveling
  • jabQuick, straight blow
  • barbBackward-pointing spike

potshot · sarcasm · mockery · taunt · snark · put-down · zinger · quip · underhanded · mean-spirited

opportunistic

exploitation

Selfish use of others

cowardly · opportunism · ambush · blindsiding · unprovoked · gratuitous · unwarranted · undeserved · calculated · deliberate

physical

sucker-punch

Blow dealt without warning

forearm · unsportsmanlike · clip · headhunting · retaliation · enforcers · goons · bush-league · penalty · ejection

Opposites
fairness in conflict

cheap-shotsfair play

Honorable conduct in games

sportsmanship · chivalry · square dealing · gentlemanly conduct · integrity

effort and skill

cheap-shotsfinesse

Subtle, deft handling

courage/directness

cheap-shotsfrontal assault

Attack from the front

standing one's ground · constructive criticism · straight talk

Family

cheap, shot, shooting, shots, shooter, cheaply, cheapen, cheaper, cheapness

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG