potshot

American  

[pot-shot] / ˈpɒtˌʃɒt /

noun

1. a shot fired at game merely for food, with little regard to skill or the rules of sport.

2. a shot at an animal or person within easy range, as from ambush.

3. a casual or aimless shot.

4. a random or incidental criticism.

   to take a potshot at military spending in a speech on taxation.

---

verb (used without object)

potshot, potshotted, potshotting

1. to fire or aim potshots.

   critics potshotting at the administration.

Etymology

Origin of potshot

First recorded in 1855–60; pot ¹ + shot ¹

Example Sentences

“At best, you have an educated guess. At worst, it’s just a potshot.”

From Salon

On stage over the weekend, Lillard said he was taking potshots at easy targets.

From Salon

Insiders underline these real relationships are another reason for not taking potshots.

From BBC

Long may his critics - whoever and wherever they are - take potshots at him, because the put-downs make him rise up.

From BBC

Scull danced around for 12 rounds and frustrated Alvarez with potshots, as the Mexican superstar struggled to cut off the ring in a dull contest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

From BBC