a cheap shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cheap shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a remark or action that is unfair or intended to hurt someone, often in a competitive context. Example: "His comment about her past mistakes was just a cheap shot and not relevant to the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's a cheap shot".

The New York Times - Sports

It was a cheap shot".

The New Yorker

That is a cheap shot.

The Economist

"It's a cheap shot.

The Guardian - Music

(It's a cheap shot, but funny).

The New York Times

O.K., that was a cheap shot.

The New York Times

That was sort of a cheap shot.

The New Yorker

"Unfortunately, it's a cheap shot".

The New York Times

"This is a cheap shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Was it a cheap shot?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perversely, he did so, positioning Republicans as a cheap-shot machine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cheap shot" when you want to criticize an action or statement that is unfair, unsportsmanlike, or intended to cause harm without justification. Ensure the context clearly indicates the unfairness or malice behind the action.

Common error

Avoid using "a cheap shot" to describe merely aggressive or assertive actions. It specifically implies an element of unfairness or underhandedness, not just strong competition or disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cheap shot" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or remark considered unfair and often malicious. As Ludwig highlights, it's a common idiom used to criticize unethical behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cheap shot" is a commonly used noun phrase describing an unfair or underhanded action. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its widespread recognition and use. Related phrases include "a dirty trick" and "a low blow", each emphasizing different aspects of unfairness. When using this phrase, ensure that the action is genuinely unfair or malicious, and not merely assertive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cheap trick

Highlights the lack of sophistication and fairness.

a low blow

Highlights the unfairness and personal nature of the attack.

a below-the-belt move

Implies a violation of ethical boundaries.

a dirty trick

Emphasizes the deceitful nature of the action.

an underhanded action

Highlights the secretive and dishonest nature of the deed.

an unfair tactic

Focuses on the lack of fairness in the approach.

a foul play

Implies a violation of rules or fair conduct.

a sucker punch

Emphasizes the surprise and unexpected nature of the attack.

a nasty remark

Focuses on the unpleasant and unkind quality of a comment.

an unsportsmanlike conduct

Highlights the breach of ethical and moral values related to sport competitions.

FAQs

How can I use "a cheap shot" in a sentence?

You can use "a cheap shot" to describe an unfair or underhanded action or comment, such as, "His personal attack during the debate was "a cheap shot" that had nothing to do with the issues".

What's the difference between "a cheap shot" and "a low blow"?

While both phrases describe unfair actions, ""a cheap shot"" often refers to a less severe or opportunistic action, while "a low blow" suggests a more deliberate and damaging personal attack.

What can I say instead of "a cheap shot"?

You can use alternatives like "a dirty trick", "an unfair tactic", or "an underhanded action" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a cheap shot"?

It's appropriate when describing actions or statements that unfairly target someone's vulnerabilities or exploit a situation in an unethical manner.