cheap shot
Meaning
An unfair, below-the-belt attack or insult, often taking advantage of someone’s weakness or a situation.
Origin
From sports (especially boxing): a “shot” is a punch, and a “cheap” one is an illegitimate or unfair blow (e.g., below the belt). It broadened to mean any unfair verbal or personal attack.
Notes
Used to criticize an attack as unfair or unnecessary. Common in everyday speech for insults, tactics, or arguments; can apply to physical or verbal attacks.
Examples
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Bringing up her past mistake in front of everyone was a cheap shot.
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That headline was a cheap shot at the coach after one bad game.
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I can handle criticism, but personal insults are just cheap shots.
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He took a cheap shot at my accent instead of answering the question.
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Don’t take cheap shots at your teammates when you’re the one who messed up.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually a noun phrase: “a cheap shot,” “take a cheap shot at (someone),” “that was a cheap shot.” Plural: “cheap shots.” Also used as adjective+noun before another noun (“cheap-shot remark”).
Synonyms
- below-the-belt shot
- low blow
- unfair attack
- potshot
- swipe
Antonyms
- fair play
- a fair comment
- a legitimate criticism