hitting back
Striking in response
Hitting back is retaliating or responding to an attack, criticism, or provocation.
The phrase implies a defensive response rather than initiating conflict: After weeks of negative press, the candidate hit back with attack ads of her own.
Physical or verbal, hitting back suggests answering force with force.
Offensive response to aggression
- counterpunchRetaliatory boxing blow
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retortQuick, cutting reply
rebuttal · payback · tit-for-tat · defend · reciprocate · response · pushback · return fire
Retaliation for injury
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- avengePunish on behalf of
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
payback · spite · feud · vendetta · settling scores · get even · recompense · redress
Regaining what was lost
- comebackRecovery after decline
- reboundReturn after deflection
- bouncebackRecovery from adversity
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
fortitude · tenacity · grit · endurance · overcoming · second wind · turnaround · resurgence
counterattack
Offensive response to aggression
- counterpunchRetaliatory boxing blow
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
- reprisalPunitive action in return
retort · rebuttal · payback · tit-for-tat · defend · reciprocate · response · pushback · return fire · answer
vengeance
Retaliation for injury
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- avengePunish on behalf of
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
grudge · payback · spite · feud · vendetta · settling scores · get even · recompense · redress · justice
recovery
Regaining what was lost
- comebackRecovery after decline
- reboundReturn after deflection
- bouncebackRecovery from adversity
perseverance · fortitude · tenacity · grit · endurance · overcoming · second wind · turnaround · resurgence · revival
hitting backletting it go
walking away · standing down · de-escalating · backing off · holding fire
hitting backyielding
Bending under pressure
capitulating · acquiescing · surrendering · passivity · rolling over
hitting backforgiving
Inclined to pardon offenses
pardoning · reconciling · making peace · absolving · letting bygones be bygones
hitting, hits, hitter, back, backs, backed, backing, backer, backmost