strikes back
Hits in return
Strikes back means to retaliate or counterattack after being attacked or wronged.
The phrase implies a reversal—someone who was on the receiving end now becomes the aggressor: After years of criticism, she finally strikes back at her detractors.
The phrase gained cultural currency from *The Empire Strikes Back*, the 1980 Star Wars sequel.
Punishment for wrongdoing
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
counterstrike · counterblow · avenge · reciprocate · settle scores · eye for an eye · tit for tat · get even
Return after dormancy
- returnGo back again
- reboundReturn after deflection
- revivalReturn after decline
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
reemergence · redemption · reassertion · reclamation · restoration · renewal · rejuvenation · reprise
Sovereign's extensive domain
- sequelContinuation of prior work
- Star WarsIconic space fantasy franchise
- VaderFather, in Dutch
- franchiseLicensed business operation
iconic · episode · saga · trilogy · blockbuster · cliffhanger
Defiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- insurgenceRevolt against established authority
- revoltOrganized resistance to power
mutiny · dissent · protest · opposition · insubordination · disobedience · noncompliance · recalcitrance
Retaliatory military operation
- counterstrokeRetaliatory strike after attack
- counterpunchRetaliatory boxing blow
- countermoveResponding strategic action
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
charge · thrust · surge · sortie · ambush · raid · blitz · assault
retribution
Punishment for wrongdoing
vengeance · counterstrike · counterblow · avenge · reciprocate · settle scores · eye for an eye · tit for tat · get even · punish
resurgence
Return after dormancy
recovery · reemergence · redemption · reassertion · reclamation · restoration · renewal · rejuvenation · reprise · turnaround
Empire
Sovereign's extensive domain
franchise · iconic · episode · saga · trilogy · blockbuster · cliffhanger
rebellion
Defiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- insurgenceRevolt against established authority
revolt · mutiny · dissent · protest · opposition · insubordination · disobedience · noncompliance · recalcitrance · stand
counteroffensive
Retaliatory military operation
- counterstrokeRetaliatory strike after attack
- counterpunchRetaliatory boxing blow
- countermoveResponding strategic action
offensive · charge · thrust · surge · sortie · ambush · raid · blitz · assault · onslaught
strikes backforgives
Ceases to blame
reconciles · makes peace · buries the hatchet · walks away · pardons
strikes backsubmits
Yields to authority
surrenders · capitulates · yields · gives in · backs down
strike, strikes, struck, stricken, striking, striker, strikers, back, backs