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backhanded |
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backhanded [ˌbækˈhændɪd] adj 1. (of a blow, shot, stroke, etc.) performed with the arm moving across the body 2. double-edged; equivocal a backhanded compliment 3. (of handwriting) slanting to the left 4. (Miscellaneous Technologies / Knots) (of a rope) twisted in the opposite way from the normal right-handed direction adv
in a backhanded manner backhandedly adv backhandedness n ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
backhanded adjective 1. ambiguous, ironic, indirect, sarcastic, oblique, sardonic, double-edged, equivocal, with tongue in cheek a backhanded compliment 2. indirect, rambling, roundabout, meandering, devious, oblique, circuitous, circumlocutory, periphrastic In a backhanded way, he raises yet another objection. Translations backhanded [ˌbækˈhændɪd] adj [remark] → à double tranchant; [compliment] → à double tranchant, faux*(fausse) backhanded [ˌbækˈhændɪd] adj (blow) → con il dorso della mano (Tennis) (stroke) → di rovescio backhanded compliment → complimento ambiguo backhanded [ˌbækˈhændɪd] adj (blow) → con il dorso della mano (Tennis) (stroke) → di rovescio backhanded compliment → complimento ambiguo How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| He was also to exhibit 'his astounding feat of throwing seventy-five hundred-weight in rapid succession backhanded over his head, thus forming a fountain of solid iron in mid-air, a feat never before attempted in this or any other country, and which having elicited such rapturous plaudits from enthusiastic throngs it cannot be withdrawn. Then quickly and with a dainty backhanded blow, he rapped Eric beneath his guard so shrewdly that it made his head ring again. Philander, with a mildly puzzled expression on his face, turned to pursue Professor Porter, and in his mind he was revolving the question of whether he should feel complimented or aggrieved at Miss Porter's rather backhanded compliment. |
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