noun
under-shoulder swing-down (sumo)
Sumo technique: when the opponent charges, you step aside, grab his arm, and push down on his shoulder blade to pull him down.
横綱は肩透かしで相手を土俵に這わせた。
The yokozuna used an under-shoulder swing-down to bring his opponent to the ground.
noun
dodging; parrying (questions)
Figurative use: skillfully avoiding a direct confrontation or deflecting a question. Often in the phrase 肩透かしを食わせる.
See also: 肩透かしを食わせる (かたすかしをくわせる)
記者の鋭い質問に、大臣は肩透かしを食わせた。
The minister parried the reporter's sharp question.
noun
When an expected confrontation or exciting event fizzles out, leaving a feeling of anticlimax. Often used in the phrase 肩透かしを食う.
楽しみにしていた試合が中止になって、肩透かしを食った気分だ。
The match I was looking forward to was canceled, and I felt let down.