Hit back Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To respond to an attack, criticism, or insult, often by attacking or criticizing in return.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; used for both physical and verbal responses. Common with criticism ('The politician hit back at his critics'). Not literal hitting—refers to any strong reply or retaliation.
Spanish: responder - contraatacarPortuguese (BR): revidar - responderPortuguese (PT): revidar - responderChinese (Simplified): 反击 - 回击Chinese (Traditional): 反擊 - 回擊Hindi: जवाबी हमला करनाArabic: يرد بقوة - يهاجم رداًBengali: প্রতি আঘাত করা - পাল্টা জবাব দেওয়াRussian: отвечать ударом - дать отпорJapanese: やり返す - 反撃するVietnamese: đáp trả - phản côngKorean: 반격하다 - 맞대응하다Turkish: karşılık vermek - misilleme yapmakUrdu: جواب دینا - پلٹ کر وار کرناIndonesian: membalas - membalas serangan
Example Sentences
Reporters kept asking tough questions, so the coach hit back during the interview.
natural
If someone insults you, you don't always have to hit back.
basic
The team lost, but they promised to hit back in the next game.
basic
When she was criticized, she quickly hit back with her own arguments.
basic
You can criticize me all you want, but I’m going to hit back if it’s unfair.
natural
After the rumor spread online, the celebrity finally hit back with a statement.
natural