[Vocabulary] volley back

[maiabulela]

Dear all,

What si the meaning of "Volley back" in:

"No one can volley back at George. They are too scared"

That was said by Sandra Bullock about Goerge Lopez after the latter mocks at her and the interviewer after which Sandra mocked at Goerge, too.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Coolfootluke]

A volley is the sound made by a number of rifles (or hand guns, or even cannons) when they are all fired at the same time. To volley back is to direct a number of remarks at someone verbally.

I am not a teacher.

That is quite possible. I thought of tennis, where people call a return a volley. George hits a "ball" at you, and you don't dare hit it back.

 

[JMurray]

I thought of tennis, where people call a return a volley.

I also immediately thought of the tennis analogy. To "volley" specifically means to hit the ball back before it bounces and is usually an attacking return shot.

not a teacher

 

[youandcorey]

Unless they are actually playing a sport, "volley back" means to "reply".

 

[Coolfootluke]

Unless they are actually playing a sport, "volley back" means to "reply".

I am not a teacher.

Are you saying that "volley back" is an established expression meaning "reply"? I have never heard that, and a quick Googling is unhelpful. I was saying that Ms Bullock's utterance was likely a tennis reference.

 

[5jj]

Are you saying that "volley back" is an established expression meaning "reply"? I have never heard that, and a quick Googling is unhelpful. I was saying that Ms Bullock's utterance was likely a tennis reference.

I agree. I have never heard it outside tennis.

 

[suziwollman]

When people "throw" little insults at each other, usually in turn, they are said to be having "verbal volley." To "volley back" does, indeed, mean to reply.

I am a teacher.:-D