dead bat
The term 'dead bat' originates from cricket, describing a defensive technique. It also has metaphorical and literal meanings in different contexts.
Definition
B2Cricket
(technical, sports)A defensive shot where the bat is held lightly to absorb the ball's impact, causing it to lose momentum and fall to the ground.
Example
- The batsman used a dead bat to block the fast delivery.
C1Idiomatic
(informal)To respond to questions or situations in a way that halts further discussion or reveals little information.
Example
- He played a dead bat during the interview, giving away nothing about the company's future plans.
A2General
(literal)A bat, the flying mammal, that is no longer alive.
Example
- We found a dead bat in the attic and called animal control.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "dead bat":
ghost batdead birdevening batfalse vampire batharpy batdead catcross batbig brown batbat arounddead fishstraight batdizzy batdead dovedead stickup to batdead duckat batcome to batbat awaydead donkeybat a thousandflying foxgo to batbat for both sides