cheap shots
Hits below belt
Cheap shots are unfair attacks that exploit vulnerability or catch someone off guard.
In sports, a cheap shot is a foul or blow delivered when an opponent isn't ready or after play has stopped.
Figuratively, cheap shots are remarks that strike below the belt—personal attacks, low blows, or criticisms that feel unfair: He took a cheap shot at her divorce during the debate.
- below the beltUnfair and unsportsmanlike
- low blowUnfair, unsportsmanlike strike
- sucker punchUnanticipated strike without warning
- rabbit punchIllegal strike to skull base
- blindsideSurprise with unexpected force
sneak attack · jab · potshot · cheapshot · taking shots · taunt · attack · personal attack · backstabbing · trash talk · talking smack · throwing shade · insult · passive-aggression · offenses · kick · mockery · barb
- tauntstaunts, taunt, taunting, neener neener, insults
- dirty playdirty play, foul play, late hit, low blow, elbowing
- sports cheatingmatch fixing, doping, point shaving, steroids, cheating
- criticismcriticism, critique, review, feedback, opinion
- teasingtease, teasing, rib, ribbing, josh
- defamationslander, libel, defamation, defamatory statement, defaming
cheap shotsmagnanimity
Generous, noble spirit
class acts · chivalry · dignity · graciousness · kindnesses
cheap, shot, cheaply, cheapen, cheaper, cheapness, cheapest, cheapened, cheapskate