potshot

SayPOT-shotUS/ˈpɑtˌʃɑt/UK/ˈpɒtˌʃɒt/

Verbpotshots, potshotting, potshotted

4 meanings of potshot

1
nouncountable
A shot fired at a target that is easy to hit or chosen at random.
Like throwing a stone at a tin can just because it is an easy target.
He took a potshot at the can on the fence.
The boys fired potshots at empty bottles by the road.
Similarshot
Note
2
nounfigurativelycountable
An unfair or mean comment aimed at someone who is an easy target.
Like making fun of someone when they cannot fight back.
The comedian took a potshot at the mayor's bad haircut.
Critics fired potshots at the new player after one weak game.
Similarswipe, jab, dig, gibe, barb
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3
verbintransitive
To shoot at a target that is easy to hit or picked at random.
Like throwing rocks at bottles just for fun.
Bored teenagers like to potshot at street signs from the bridge.
He spent the afternoon potshotting at tin cans in the yard.
Similarshoot, fire, snipe
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Less common meaning

4
adjectiveobsolete
Drunk after having too much alcohol to drink.
Like someone who has had so much to drink they cannot walk straight.
By midnight half the crew was potshot and singing loudly.
He came home potshot again after the fair.
Similarblasted, bombed, besotted, boozy, befuddled
Note

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Origin

From 'pot' plus 'shot'. In 1858 it meant a shot taken to get food for the cooking pot.