The idiom "lash back" means to react strongly or angrily to something, especially criticism or an attack. It often describes retaliating or fighting against someone or something that has hurt, offended or criticized you. This can be done verbally, physically, or emotionally.
In short:
- It means to retaliate or react angrily to something after a criticism or attack.
When you "lash back" at something, you respond with solid or angry feelings, especially when someone or something has criticized or attacked you. You might lash back with words, actions, or emotions to get back at the person or thing that hurt, offended, or criticized you.
Some related expressions that have similar meanings are:
The idiom "lash back" is derived from the literal meaning of the verb "to lash," which is to strike or whip someone or something with a lash, a whip, a cord, or a similar object. The word "lash" comes from the Old French "lasche", which means "a blow, a stroke."
Furthermore, the verb "to lash" has been used figuratively since the 15th century to mean "to scold, reprimand, criticize." Later, in the 20th century, the verb phrase "to lash back" acquired its idiomatic meanings of "to react strongly or angrily" and "to have a negative or harmful effect."
Here are some examples of how to use the idiom in different sentences:
Here are some examples of this idiom in popular culture:
Some different ways to say "lash back" are:
Here are some common questions and answers about the idiom "lash back":
The idiom "lash back" means to react strongly or angrily to something, especially criticism or an attack. It often describes retaliating or fighting against someone or something that has hurt, offended, or criticized you. This can be done verbally, physically, or emotionally.
The idiom "lash back" is derived from the literal meaning of the verb "to lash," which is to strike or whip someone or something with a lash, a whip, a cord, or a similar object. The word "lash" comes from the Old French "lasche", which means "a blow, a stroke."
Some synonyms for "lash" in the idiom "lash back" are "whip," "strike," "hit," "beat," and "flog."
Some antonyms for "lash back" are to accept, to agree, to comply, to surrender, and to yield.
"Lash back" and "lash out" are idioms that mean to react strongly or angrily to something or someone, but they have different nuances. "Lash back" implies a reason or a cause for the reaction, such as an attack or a criticism. "Lash out" means that there is no reason or a cause for the response or that it is irrational or disproportionate.
No, "lash back" is not always negative. Sometimes, it can be positive or justified, depending on the situation and the perspective. For example, if someone lashes back at an oppressor or an abuser, it can be seen as a sign of courage or resistance. Or, if someone "lashes back" at a false accusation or slander, it can be seen as a sign of integrity or honesty.
You can use "lash back" in a question by following the usual grammar rules for forming questions in English.
You can use the idiom "lash back" in a sentence to express that someone or something has responded to an attack or criticism with a strong counterattack or defense.
When you want to show that someone or something has not given in to an attack or pressure but has instead defended themselves or their position forcefully. And when you want to imply that someone or something has acted impulsively or emotionally rather than rationally or calmly.
The idiom “lash back” may not have an exact equivalent in other languages, so you may need to use different words or expressions to convey its meaning. Here are some possible translations of the idiom "lash back" into other languages:
Spanish: contraatacar (to counterattack)
French: riposter (to retort)
German: zurückschlagen (to strike back)
The idiom "lash back" is a common and versatile expression describing different reactions and consequences. It can be positive or negative, depending on the situation and the perspective.
In summary:
