Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for potshot

potshot

[ pot-shot ]

noun

  1. a shot fired at game merely for food, with little regard to skill or the rules of sport.
  2. a shot at an animal or person within easy range, as from ambush.
  3. a casual or aimless shot.
  4. a random or incidental criticism:

    to take a potshot at military spending in a speech on taxation.



verb (used without object)

, pot·shot or pot·shot·ted, pot·shot·ting.
  1. to fire or aim potshots:

    critics potshotting at the administration.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of potshot1

First recorded in 1855–60; pot 1 + shot 1

Discover More

Example Sentences

There are short-term political incentives people see to take potshots at one party or another for these images we see from Afghanistan.

During the call, Benioff took potshots at competitors that sell both consumer and enterprise technology.

From Fortune

Palin takes a potshot back in the book, mentioning Schmidt's "rotund physique."

I remember very distinctly saying, "Did you take the potshot at General Walker?"

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


potsherdpot spinning