combination shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “combination shot” mean?
A shot in billiards, snooker or pool where the cue ball strikes one object ball to hit and pocket another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A shot in billiards, snooker or pool where the cue ball strikes one object ball to hit and pocket another.
In shooting sports, a simultaneous or sequential shot involving two targets; metaphorically, a coordinated move or strategy involving multiple elements for a single decisive outcome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English in the cue sports context due to the popularity of snooker. In American English, 'combo shot' is a common informal variant.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes skill and planning. In British English, it has a stronger association with professional snooker commentary.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British sports media.
Grammar
How to Use “combination shot” in a Sentence
The player attempted a combination shot on the red and black.He won the frame with a stunning combination shot.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “combination shot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to combination-shot the pink off the blue.
- She's adept at combination-shooting from difficult angles.
American English
- He went for the combo-shot to finish the game.
- You can't just combo-shot your way out of every safety.
adverb
British English
- He potted the black combination-shot, via the yellow.
American English
- He won combo-shot, sinking the 8-ball off the 4.
adjective
British English
- That was a combination-shot opportunity he failed to take.
- His combination-shot play is exceptional.
American English
- The combo-shot attempt failed.
- He's known for his combo-shot skills.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for a complex strategy that addresses multiple objectives simultaneously. (e.g., 'The marketing campaign was a combination shot aimed at both brand awareness and direct sales.')
Academic
Rare; potential use in game theory or strategic analysis.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used when discussing cue sports.
Technical
Precise term in the rules and commentary of snooker, pool, and billiards.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “combination shot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “combination shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “combination shot”
- Confusing it with a 'cannon' (hitting two balls with the cue ball but not potting) or a 'plant' (two object balls touching).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'combination' in non-strategic contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'combo shot' is a widely accepted and common informal variant, especially in American English and in casual conversation about pool.
Yes, a combination shot can theoretically involve a sequence of multiple object balls, though hitting more than two before potting is extremely rare and difficult in professional play.
In a combination shot, the cue ball hits object ball A, which then travels to hit and pot object ball B. In a 'plant', two (or more) object balls are frozen together or very close; the cue ball strikes the first, and the second is potted as if they were a single ball.
Its use is almost entirely metaphorical outside of cue sports and occasionally shooting sports. It describes any complex, multi-stage action designed to achieve a specific result, but such usage is niche.
A shot in billiards, snooker or pool where the cue ball strikes one object ball to hit and pocket another.
Combination shot is usually technical in register.
Combination shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmbɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a real combination shot of a business deal, tying together several different elements.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'COMBO': Cue ball hits One ball, Making Ball two sink On its own.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STRATEGY IS A PRECISE PHYSICAL MANOEUVRE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'combination shot' used literally and most precisely?