回马枪

回马枪

Literally means:

back thrust

Actually means:

swing round and catch somebody off guard

枪 refers to spear, a long-handled weapon with a metal point used in the ancient times. The phrase literally means pretending to be defeated and run ning away, and then swinging round and jabbing the enemy that follows.

When used in non-military context, it figuratively means doing something a gain or returning to the original place. It also refers to the sudden reemergence of a situation.

枪，古人用的长柄顶端装有金属尖头的武器。原指骑马拿枪打仗时，假装打败逃走，然后又突然返回来刺杀追击自己的敌人。

在非军事上使用，比再做先前做过的事，或再回到老地方做事，也指已发生的情况突然重新出现。