Synonyms for backhanded


Grammar : Adj
Spell : bak-han-did
Phonetic Transcription : ˈbækˌhæn dɪd


Définition of backhanded

Origin :
  • as a tennis stroke, 1650s, from back (adv.) + hand. As a verb, by 1935. The figurative adjectival sense of "indirect" is from c.1800. Related: Backhanded; backhanding.
  • adj underhanded
Example sentences :
  • “I sympathize with you,” he said by way of backhanded congratulation.
  • Extract from : « Joan of Arc of the North Woods » by Holman Day
  • Whatever this might mean, it was, at best, a backhanded compliment to Hartigan.
  • Extract from : « The Preacher of Cedar Mountain » by Ernest Thompson Seton
  • Glyddyr turned upon him, and made a backhanded blow at his face.
  • Extract from : « King of the Castle » by George Manville Fenn
  • A backhanded compliment of the acutest nature is credited to Lincoln as a lawyer and gentleman.
  • Extract from : « The Lincoln Story Book » by Henry L. Williams
  • Lake slapped him across the mouth with a backhanded blow that snapped his head back on his shoulders and split his lip.
  • Extract from : « Space Prison » by Tom Godwin
  • Mr. Hethcote declined to be reminded of his duties as a middle-aged gentleman in this backhanded manner.
  • Extract from : « The Fallen Leaves » by Wilkie Collins
  • She caught hold of his arm, but Jim, still kneeling on his wife, gave Polly a backhanded blow which sent her staggering back.
  • Extract from : « Liza of Lambeth » by W. Somerset Maugham
  • It is no backhanded compliment to say that he has never improved upon the profusion or the quaintness of its humor.
  • Extract from : « Little Pilgrimages Among the Men Who Have Written Famous Books » by E. F. (Edward Francis) Harkins
  • When Clare stooped to ask what he should do for him, he struck him a backhanded blow on the face that knocked him over.
  • Extract from : « A Rough Shaking » by George MacDonald
  • With a muted roar, Adam swept his powerful arm in a backhanded arc that caught Brute full on the side of his head.
  • Extract from : « Rebels of the Red Planet » by Charles Louis Fontenay

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019