lashing back
Returning the blow
Lashing back is retaliating with sharp, aggressive words or actions after being attacked or criticized.
The image is of a creature striking with its tail or a whip—a reflexive, forceful response: She lashed back at critics who questioned her motives.
The reaction typically matches the original attack in intensity.
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- getting evenReciprocating a wrong
- counteringActing in opposition
fighting fire with fire · confrontation · snapping · rebuking · indignation · resentment · vengeance · defensiveness · retorting · frustration · outrage · escalation · vicious cycle · recoiling · opposition · bitterness · counterattack · resistance
lashing backnonretaliation
Abstaining from revenge
forgiving · letting it go · walking away · accepting · submitting
lashing backbiting one's tongue
Deliberately not speaking up
keeping one's cool · forbearance · self-control · equanimity · stoicism
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