pot shot

British  

noun

1. a chance shot taken casually, hastily, or without careful aim

2. a shot fired to kill game in disregard of the rules of sport

3. a shot fired at quarry within easy range, often from an ambush

---

Example Sentences

Yet here they are, minding their own business in Eugene, preparing for the showdown in Seattle this weekend — only to have Lake take a pot shot at the academic “prowess” of Oregon’s football program.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2021

This was a clue about freaking flags, and the writer of this clue went completely out of his or her way to take a pot shot at the Mets just because.

From Golf Digest • Jul. 23, 2019

“It’s real easy to take a pot shot and say we created a cute baby lion because we wanted to boost attendance,” Edell said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 16, 2017

Coady, who ousted rival Susan Duncan to become the lead scientist for Neolution, is no match for Helena, much less Helena and Sarah, and Enger can’t even get a pot shot off unchallenged.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2017

“No, you know the reason I took a pot shot at it, Loretta says? She says I was temporarily insane. No kidding. From the shelling and all.”

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger