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.

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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

Payton wasn’t aiming another potshot at his predecessor, however, just expressing his disdain for players who don the hats on the sideline after their day is done.

From Washington Times • Aug. 8, 2023

Many have soured on him and Meghan since the rupture with the royal family; they viewed Harry’s latest comment as just another potshot.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2022

“Given how big these issues are, all they can come up with is to take a potshot at my brother Jon.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 2, 2022

“If there’s anyone on the planet who would take a potshot at me — in a sisterly way — it’s her,” he said.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2022

Strauss simmered through most of the presentation but erupted when Rabi took a potshot at the illusory concept of a “clean” bomb.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik