sally
Translation
sortie, foray, witticism, quip
Examples
The defenders made a sally against the besiegers.
The defenders made a sally against the besiegers.
He made a witty sally at his friend's expense.
He made a witty sally at his friend's expense.
Grammar Patterns
a sally (against sb./sth.) a sudden attack on an enemy The defenders made a sally against the besiegers.
a witty sally a clever or amusing remark He made a witty sally at his friend's expense.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sortie, foray, quip, witticism
Etymology
From French 'saillir' (to leap), from Latin 'salire' (to leap). The idea is of 'leaping out'.
Memory Tips
Picture soldiers 'sallying' forth, leaping out of a castle. Or a witty remark 'leaping' out of someone's mouth.