Definition
回马枪 is a set phrase from historical cavalry tactics — literally "backhorse spear" — describing a feigned retreat where the rider suddenly turns and strikes the pursuing enemy. In modern usage, it refers to any unexpected counterattack or surprise comeback, often used with the verb 杀 (as in 杀个回马枪). It conveys the idea of catching someone off guard after they think you've withdrawn.
n.
a sudden counterattack that catches the opponent off guard (figurative)(literally) a back thrust in horseback combat
Examples
- ，回马枪。Tā jiǎzhuāng líkāi, tūrán shā le gè huí mǎ qiāng.He pretended to leave and then suddenly came back with a surprise attack.
- 回马枪，。Tánpàn shuāngfāng dōu zhǔnbèi le huí mǎ qiāng, xiǎng dǎ duìfāng yí gè cuòshǒubùjí.Both sides in the negotiation prepared a sudden countermove, hoping to catch the other off guard.
- 回马枪，。Zhè yì zhāo huí mǎ qiāng zài bīngfǎ zhōng chángjiàn, mùdì shì yòu dí shēnrù.This "back spear" tactic is common in military strategy, intended to lure the enemy deeper.
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