shoot back
To shoot at someone who is shooting at you, or to say something quickly in reply
Meanings
To fire weapons in return at someone who is shooting at you
"The soldiers took cover behind the wall and shot back at the advancing troops."
To respond quickly and sharply to a question, accusation, or remark
"'That's none of your business,' she shot back, before turning and walking away."
To move rapidly back to a position or place
"The elastic band shot back and stung his wrist."
In the literal sense, used in military, police, or action contexts. In the figurative sense, common in everyday speech when someone replies quickly or wittily. The figurative sense often implies the reply is sharp, clever, or defensive.
Commonly used with
Forms
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