sideswipes
Hits while passing
Sideswipes is the plural of sideswipe—a glancing blow along the side of something, especially a vehicle: The truck left sideswipes on three parked cars.
Figuratively, sideswipes are indirect criticisms or attacks, often delivered in passing rather than head-on: His speech included a few sideswipes at the previous administration.
Surprised by unforeseen impact
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
- caught-off-guardSurprised without warning
ambush · shock · jolt · unanticipated · startled · unaware · distracted · inattentive
Sudden violent impact
- fender-benderMinor vehicle collision
- accidentUnintended harmful event
- scrapeRub harshly against
- dentShallow surface depression
hit-and-run · rear-end · t-bone · damage · bodywork · insurance · liability · pileup
blindsided
Surprised by unforeseen impact
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
caught-off-guard · ambush · shock · jolt · unanticipated · startled · unaware · distracted · inattentive · oblivious
crash
Sudden violent impact
- fender-benderMinor vehicle collision
- accidentUnintended harmful event
- scrapeRub harshly against
dent · hit-and-run · rear-end · t-bone · damage · bodywork · insurance · liability · pileup · airbags
graze
Feed on growing plants
nick · skim · scratch · abrasion · nudge · bump · shunt · knock · gouge · contact
jab
Quick, straight blow
barb · insult · slight · remark · taunt · quip · insinuation · put-down · zinger · cheap-shot
sideswipesrear-ends
Strikes another's bumper
head-on collisions · rear-end collisions · T-bones · backs into