sally Definition
- 1a sudden attack or charge from a defensive position
- 2a witty or clever remark
Using sally: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sally" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The soldiers made a sally against the enemy.
Example
Her sally caught everyone off guard and made them laugh.
Example
He was known for his quick sallies in conversation.
sally Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sally
Example
The attackers tried to breach the sally port, but were repelled by the defenders.
Example
They sallied forth into the unknown, eager to explore the wilderness.
Example
The defenders made a sally against the besieging army, hoping to break their lines.
Origins of sally
from Middle French 'saillie', meaning 'a rushing forth'
Summary: sally in Brief
The term 'sally' [ˈsæli] refers to two distinct concepts. The first is a sudden attack or charge from a defensive position, as in 'The soldiers made a sally against the enemy.' The second is a witty or clever remark, as in 'Her sally caught everyone off guard and made them laugh.' 'Sally' is also used in phrases like 'sally port,' referring to a secure entryway, and 'sally forth,' meaning to set out on a venture or journey.