noun
An arrow that misses its target and goes astray. Can also be used figuratively for something unintended or off-target.
戦場で逸れ矢に当たってしまった。
He was hit by a stray arrow on the battlefield.
彼の批判は逸れ矢のようなもので、本当の狙いは別にあった。
His criticism was like a stray arrow; his real target was something else.
流れ矢 also means a stray arrow, but emphasizes the arrow flying through the air rather than missing a target. 逸れ矢 focuses on the arrow going off course.
Compound of 逸れ (それ, 'straying') + 矢 (や, 'arrow').