Backhanded
[bæk'hændɪd] or [,bæk'hændɪd]
Definition
(adj.) roundabout or ambiguous; 'attacks from that source amounted to a backhanded compliment to his integrity'; 'a backhanded and dishonest way of reaching his goal' .
Checked by Leon--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) With the hand turned backward; as, a backhanded blow.
(a.) Indirect; awkward; insincere; sarcastic; as, a backhanded compliment.
(a.) Turned back, or inclining to the left; as, a backhanded letters.
Checked by Klaus
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. [1]. Inclining to the left hand (as writing).[2]. Outward and backward.[3]. Indirect, unfair.
Typed by Alphonse
Examples
- And here,' said Mr. Peggotty, giving Ham a backhanded knock in the chest, 'is another of 'em, though he don't look much like it. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Here's a gentleman from London present,' Mr. Bounderby made a backhanded point at Mr. James Harthouse with his thumb, 'a Parliament gentleman. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
Typed by Alphonse