Potshots

Posted by TheFallen on April 14, 2003

In Reply to: Pot shots or pop shots? posted by Dan Tyler on April 14, 2003

: Does anyone know the origins of the phrase taking pot shots (or is it taking pop shots)? Any help would be great, Thanks, Dan.

This from he American Heritage Dictionary Online:

POTSHOT

VARIANT FORMS: also pot shot

NOUN:
1. A random or easy shot.
2. A criticism made without careful thought and aimed at a handy target for attack: reporters taking potshots at the mayor.

ETYMOLOGY: So called because such a shot is fired by a hunter whose main purpose is to get food for the pot.