26984 words

backhanded

3 definitions • 4 examples
1
A backhanded remark seems pleasant but may really be a criticism or mean something unkind:

Examples:

backhanded compliment He gave me what sounded like a backhanded compliment.
2
In sport, a backhanded hit or stop is done by bringing the arm across the body to hit or catch the ball:

Examples:

Backhanded shots are not used in hockey.
The third baseman made a tough backhanded stop.
3
(of something said) not clear and usually meaning the opposite of what it seems to mean:

Examples:

Her backhanded compliments annoyed everyone.

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