backhanded

• Qualifie une remarque ou un compliment qui est ambigu, indirect ou qui comporte un sens négatif caché.

Describes a remark or compliment that is ambiguous, indirect, or has a hidden negative meaning.

1. Racket strokeB2formalsport

   A stroke made across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke, typically in tennis or badminton.

   revers

   • She hit a powerful backhanded shot down the line.
   • His backhanded return caught the opponent off guard.
   • The coach taught them how to improve their backhanded swing.

   Synonymesbackhand

   Antonymesforehanded

2. Indirect or ambiguousC1formal

   Expressed in a roundabout or ambiguous way, often implying criticism or insult.

   indirect et ambigu

   • He made a backhanded compliment about her cooking.
   • Her remark was a backhanded way of saying she disapproved.
   • The review was full of backhanded praise that felt insulting.

   Synonymesambiguouscircuitousequivocalindirectinsinuatingobliqueroundaboutslysnideveiled

   Antonymescandiddirectexplicitfrankstraightforward

• Verbe signifiant frapper quelqu'un ou quelque chose avec le dos de la main, ou, dans le sport, frapper une balle avec le revers de la raquette.

A verb used to indicate striking or hitting someone or something with the back of the hand, or in sports, hitting a ball with a backhand stroke.

1. Hit a ball backhandB2formalsport

   To strike a ball, especially in tennis or similar sports, with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke.

   frapper en revers

   • She backhanded the ball cross-court for a winner.
   • He prefers to backhand rather than use a forehand.
   • The player backhanded the return with great precision.

   Antonymesforehand

2. Make a backhand strokeB2formalsport

   To execute a racket stroke made across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke.

   Frapper en revers

   • He backhanded the shuttlecock to the opponent's backcourt.
   • The coach taught her how to backhand properly.
   • She backhanded the ball with a smooth, fluid motion.

   Antonymesforehand

3. Write with backward slantC1formal

   To write in a style where the letters slant backward, typically to the left.

   Écrire en inclinant vers la gauche

   • The calligrapher backhanded the letters for a unique effect.
   • His handwriting backhands slightly, giving it a distinctive look.
   • She backhanded the note, making it hard to read.