ricochet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ricochet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of a projectile bouncing off a surface or to metaphorically indicate an idea or effect bouncing back and forth. Example: "The bullet ricocheted off the wall, narrowly missing the target."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This saves money, says Matthew Doherty of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, as the homeless otherwise tend to ricochet between expensive services, such as jails, emergency rooms and detox centres.

The Economist

He has also come up with an interesting definition of cowboy poetry it's the "ring and ricochet of lingo off the stirrup-bone of the middle ear .Another poet featured in the book, John Dofflemeyer, edits the Dry Crik Review, a magazine devoted entirely to cowboy verse.

The Economist

The effects of a big, new low-cost producer, says Wayne Atwell of Morgan Stanley, are bound to "ricochet through the industry", repeating a cycle that he has observed many times.An even lower-cost group of domestic producers are the mini-mill operators, such as Nucor, which make steel from scrap metal instead of iron ore.

The Economist

When Rush Limbaugh sneezes or Newt Gingrich tweets, their views ricochet from the Internet to cable television and into the traditional media.

The Economist

Conversation would ricochet from Russia's recent economic history to the tragedy of the aborted reforms brought in by his hero, Pyotr Stolypin, one of Tsar Nicholas II's prime ministers.

The Economist

Presidents ricochet between success and failure.

The Economist

Even his movements ricochet between parodies of gender: on days he puts on a dress, he is graceful, almost dancerlike, and his sentences rise in pitch at the end.

The New York Times - Magazine

Its long-barreled, high-velocity 75-mm gun had good range and penetrating power against most enemy tanks, and the Panther's armour 80 mm thick at the front and 40 45 mm on the sides and rear was sloped so that shells would ricochet off it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At this siege he introduced ricochet gunfire, whereby a cannonball was made to bounce forward over parapets and to hit several objectives before its force was spent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While a shot is taken, no attacking player may be in the goalie's crease, a rectangle eight feet across and four feet out from the goal line; but there is much physical contact in front of the net, and the puck may ricochet off a skate, a stick, or any part of the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You could hit a good tee shot and see it ricochet into a bunker and then you have no shot.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ricochet" metaphorically, ensure the image of bouncing or deflection accurately reflects the intended meaning of indirect or secondary effects.

Common error

Avoid using "ricochet" to describe direct, linear effects. The word implies a change in direction or an indirect consequence, not a straightforward result.

Linguistic Context

The word "ricochet" functions primarily as a verb, describing the action of bouncing off a surface after impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as a noun to describe an instance of ricocheting or a method of firing a projectile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ricochet" is a versatile word, functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily denoting the act of bouncing off a surface or, metaphorically, representing indirect consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media sources. When using "ricochet", ensure its image of bouncing or deflection aligns with your intended meaning, and avoid applying it to direct, linear effects. Alternative expressions like "rebound", "bounce off", and "reverberate" may suit some scenarios better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rebound

Emphasizes the act of bouncing back after an impact.

bounce off

Highlights the action of striking a surface and springing away.

glance off

Focuses on a deflection from a surface at an angle.

reverberate

Implies a wide spreading effect or consequence.

spring back

Highlights the elastic nature of the return movement.

reflect

Focuses on the change in direction upon hitting a surface.

deflect

Stresses the change in direction due to an impact.

carom

Specifically refers to a rebound, especially in billiards.

resonate

Suggests a deeper, lasting impact or effect.

echo

Emphasizes a repetitive or recurring effect.

FAQs

How can I use "ricochet" in a sentence?

You can use "ricochet" to describe a bullet bouncing off a surface, as in "The bullet "ricocheted" off the wall". It can also be used metaphorically to describe indirect effects, such as "The economic downturn "ricocheted" through various industries".

What does "ricochet" mean?

The primary meaning of "ricochet" is to bounce or deflect off a surface. Metaphorically, it means to have an indirect effect or consequence, like a chain reaction.

What are some synonyms for "ricochet"?

Synonyms for "ricochet" include "rebound", "bounce off", "glance off", and "reverberate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "ricochet" in formal writing?

Yes, "ricochet" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in reputable news and media sources.