side-swipe
Hit while passing
A side-swipe is a glancing blow delivered from the side, typically in traffic when one vehicle scrapes against another while passing: A truck side-swiped my car on the highway.
Figuratively, to side-swipe is to criticize or attack indirectly or in passing: The senator side-swiped his opponent while discussing policy.
Also spelled sideswipe.
Minor vehicle collision
damage · mirror · bumper · panel · bodywork · scratch · collision · impact
Quick, straight blow
- digUnearth by shoveling
- snipeHidden-position shooting
- barbBackward-pointing spike
- potshoteasy target attack
insinuation · taunt · slight · insult · put-down · quip · zinger · backhanded
Surprise with unexpected force
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
- startleFrighten suddenly
jolt · shock · sudden · abrupt · unawares · sucker-punch · broadside · unsuspecting
fender-bender
Minor vehicle collision
clip · damage · mirror · bumper · panel · bodywork · scratch · collision · impact · insurance
jab
Quick, straight blow
potshot · insinuation · taunt · slight · insult · put-down · quip · zinger · backhanded · passive-aggressive
blindside
Surprise with unexpected force
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
startle · jolt · shock · sudden · abrupt · unawares · sucker-punch · broadside · unsuspecting
side-swipehead-on collision
Direct front-to-front impact
direct hit · T-bone · rear-end · frontal crash · head-on crash