alle spalle

Etymology
lit. 'at the shoulders'.

Prepositional phrase

 * 1)  (typically with ) behind
 * 2) in an unexpected way; by surprise
 * 3) by treachery; treacherously
 * 1) in an unexpected way; by surprise
 * 2) by treachery; treacherously
 * 1) in an unexpected way; by surprise
 * 2) by treachery; treacherously
 * 1) by treachery; treacherously

Usage notes

 * When used with the meaning "in an unexpected way" (sense 2) or "by treachery" (sense 3), the locution is most often preceded by verbs of impact like, , , etc.