cheap shot

USAGE SUMMARY

"cheap shot" is a correct and widely used expression in written English.
It refers to a sneaky or unfair attack or criticism, often used to gain an advantage or provoke a reaction. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in sports, politics, or personal disputes. Example: During the political debate, the candidate took a cheap shot at his opponent's past mistakes instead of focusing on the issues at hand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

Total cheap shot".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a cheap shot.

The Guardian - Music

"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

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm never going to cheap-shot anybody.

The New York Times

He's run against negativity and cheap-shot campaigning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cheap shot", ensure the context clearly indicates an action or statement that is both unfair and avoidable. This will strengthen the impact of your critique.

Common error

Avoid using "cheap shot" to describe merely aggressive or assertive actions. The phrase specifically denotes an unfair advantage gained through unethical means, not simply forceful behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap shot" functions primarily as a noun, often used to describe a specific action or statement. It serves to label the action as unfair, unsportsmanlike, or unethical. Ludwig shows many examples where the phrase is used to express disapproval or criticism of such actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

30%

General Conversation

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cheap shot" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression referring to an unfair or unsportsmanlike action or remark. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its prevalence in news, sports, and general conversation. While always negative, its neutral register allows for broad application. When using "cheap shot", ensure the context clearly highlights the unfairness of the act, and consider related phrases like "low blow" or "dirty trick" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low blow

Emphasizes the unfair and underhanded nature of the act or comment, similar to targeting a vulnerable spot.

below the belt

Indicates that the action or remark was unfair and unacceptable, violating established rules of conduct.

cheap trick

Similar to "cheap shot", but can apply to other scenarios outside sports. Often considered less serious than "cheap shot".

dirty trick

Highlights the deceitful and unethical nature of the action, suggesting a deliberate attempt to gain an unfair advantage.

foul play

Implies a violation of rules or ethical standards, especially in competitive situations.

unsportsmanlike conduct

Specifically refers to behavior that violates the principles of fair play and respect in sports or similar contexts.

unfair tactic

Focuses on the unjust and inequitable nature of the strategy or maneuver employed.

mean-spirited remark

Highlights the malicious intent behind the comment, emphasizing its cruelty and lack of compassion.

underhanded tactic

Suggests a secretive and dishonest method used to achieve a goal, often involving deception or betrayal.

unfair criticism

Focuses on the unjust and biased nature of the critique, highlighting its lack of objectivity and validity.

FAQs

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

You can use "cheap shot" to describe an unfair or unsportsmanlike action or a remark that unfairly disparages someone's vulnerability. For example, "Attacking a goalie trying to make a save is a total cheap shot" or "That comment was a cheap shot and completely uncalled for".

What can I say instead of "cheap shot"?

You can use alternatives like "low blow", "below the belt", or "dirty trick" depending on the context.

Is "cheap shot" always negative?

Yes, "cheap shot" always carries a negative connotation, implying that the action or statement is unfair, unethical, or unsportsmanlike.

What's the difference between "cheap shot" and "unfair tactic"?

"Cheap shot" often refers to a single, specific instance of unfairness, particularly in sports or personal attacks. "Unfair tactic" is a broader term that can describe an ongoing strategy or approach that is unjust.