1To suffer disappointment; to be let down when expectations are not met.
せっかく誘ったのに彼は来られず、肩透かしを食らった。
I went to the trouble of inviting him, but he couldn't come — I felt let down.
新製品に期待していたが、実物を見て肩透かしを食らった。
I had high hopes for the new product, but seeing it in person left me disappointed.
試合前に相手が怪我で欠場し、私たちは肩透かしを食らった。
Before the match, the opponent withdrew due to injury, and we were disappointed.
2To have one's attack, question, or approach sidestepped; to be given the slip or deftly avoided.
彼の詰め寄りに答えをはぐらかされて、肩透かしを食らった。
When he pressed him, the answer was evaded and he was given the slip.
記者の追及がうまくかわされ、肩透かしを食らった形になった。
The reporter's questioning was deftly sidestepped, leaving them empty-handed.
チームの鋭い攻撃が相手の守備でかわされ、肩透かしを食らった。
The team's sharp attack was nullified by the opponent's defense; they were thwarted.