immediately attacking another opponent after the first
Idiomatic expression derived from swordsmanship, describing a swift follow-up attack on a different target right after striking one. Often used figuratively for quick, consecutive actions.
彼は一人を倒すと、返す刀でもう一人を斬りつけた。
After cutting down one opponent, he immediately slashed at another with a backstroke.
社長はA社との契約をまとめると、返す刀でB社との交渉も始めた。
After finalizing the contract with Company A, the president swiftly moved on to negotiations with Company B.
Literally 'returning sword', from the image of a swordsman using the momentum of a strike to immediately attack another opponent. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is a set phrase in martial arts contexts.