The side of a ship; also means a fierce verbal attack or criticism, or historically, a simultaneous volley of cannonballs fired from one side of a warship.
From 'broad' and 'side,' originally referring to the wide side of a ship as opposed to the narrow bow and stern. Naval warfare made it famous when all cannons on one side fired at once, and the term evolved metaphorically to mean any sudden overwhelming attack.
Try Another Word