backhanders
/ˌbækˈhændərz/
NOUN
1. Secret or illicit payments
Unofficial payments or financial benefits secretly given to someone, usually to influence a decision, obtain preferential treatment, or secure an improper advantage.
1.1. Bribery and corrupt payments
Refers to secret payments made to officials, employees, or business representatives in exchange for favors, contracts, or preferential treatment.
Synonyms
Examples
- The investigation uncovered several backhanders paid to government officials.
- The company was accused of using backhanders to secure lucrative contracts.
- The executives denied accepting illegal backhanders from suppliers.
Related Words
- corruption
- fraud
- embezzlement
- illicit commission
- under-the-table payments
- slush funds
NOUN
2. Blows delivered with the back of the hand
Physical strikes or slaps delivered using the back of the hand rather than the palm.
2.1. Physical slapping and striking
Refers to blows delivered with the back of the hand, typically involving a swinging or slapping movement.
Synonyms
- backhanded blows
- backhanded slaps
- backhands
Examples
- The argument escalated into a fight involving several backhanders.
- He received two sharp backhanders during the confrontation.
Related Words
- smacks
- slaps
- strikes
- swats
- blows
- impacts
NOUN
3. Backhand strokes in racket sports
Shots played using the backhand side of a racket, with the back of the hand generally facing the direction of the stroke.
3.1. Tennis and racket-sport strokes
Refers to shots or strokes performed using a backhand technique in tennis and other racket sports.
Synonyms
- backhand strokes
- backhand shots
- backhand drives
Antonyms
- forehands
- forehand strokes
- forehand shots
Examples
- The player practiced powerful backhanders during the training session.
- Her accurate backhanders repeatedly forced her opponent away from the baseline.
Related Words
NOUN
4. Surfers approaching waves with their backs turned toward them
Surfers who ride or approach a wave with their backs facing the wave, rather than facing it directly.
4.1. Surfing stance and wave approach
Refers to surfers who ride waves on their backhand side, with the wave positioned behind them relative to their body orientation.
Synonyms
- backside surfers
Antonyms
- frontside surfers
Examples
- The competition featured several skilled backhanders who handled the powerful waves with confidence.
- Experienced backhanders often develop specialized techniques for riding waves on their backhand side.
Related Words
- surfing
- surfers
- waves
- swell
- surfboard
- frontside