A sumo technique (under-shoulder swing-down) in which you grasp the opponent's arm, step aside, and push down near the shoulder blade to pull them down.
彼は決まり手が肩透かしで、あっという間に相手を寄り切った。
His winning technique was the under-shoulder swing-down; he quickly forced his opponent out.
Figuratively, to dodge or parry a question or attack; to evade or give a non-answer.
記者の核心を突く質問に対して、政治家は肩透かしの答えをした。
Faced with the reporters' pointed question, the politician gave an evasive answer.
面接官の難しい質問を肩透かしでかわすのは得策ではない。
It's not wise to dodge a difficult interview question with an evasive reply.
彼女は責任を問われると、いつも肩透かしの受け答えをする。
When asked about responsibility, she always answers evasively.
A disappointment or letdown when expectations are not met.
せっかく遠くまで行ったのに店が休みで肩透かしを食った。
I went all the way there, but the shop was closed — what a disappointment.
新作映画は期待外れで、観客は肩透かしを喰らったと不満を言った。
The new movie was disappointing; audiences complained they felt let down.
約束していたプレゼントが届かず、子どもは肩透かしをくらった。
The promised present never arrived and the child was disappointed.
上司の返事はあまりにも曖昧で、チーム全体が肩透かしを受けた。
The boss's reply was too vague and the whole team felt let down.