{To take the offensive}, {To act on the offensive}, {To go on the offensive}, to be the attacking party; to initiate hostilities. [1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
take the offensive — to begin to attack or fight against someone or something Opponents of the development project took the offensive and defeated the land sale. • • • Main Entry: ↑offensive * * * go on (to) the ofˈfensive | take the ofˈfensive idiom to start attack … Useful english dictionary
take the offensive — index attack, fight (battle), oppugn Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
take the offensive — go on the offensive or take the offensive to begin to attack or criticize someone who you think is attacking you Under pressure from his critics, the minister decided to go on the offensive … English dictionary
take the offensive — {v. phr.} To make oneself the attacking party. * /After many months of preparation, the freedom fighters were ready to take the offensive./ Contrast TAKE THE DEFENSIVE … Dictionary of American idioms
take the offensive — {v. phr.} To make oneself the attacking party. * /After many months of preparation, the freedom fighters were ready to take the offensive./ Contrast TAKE THE DEFENSIVE … Dictionary of American idioms
take\ the\ offensive — v. phr. To make oneself the attacking party. After many months of preparation, the freedom fighters were ready to take the offensive. Contrast: take the defensive … Словарь американских идиом
take the offensive — our fleet will take the offensive within the next 48 hours Syn: launch an attack, begin to attack, attack first, strike the first blow … Thesaurus of popular words
take the offensive — verb To attack instead of defending; to be bold and proactive. Syn: go on the offensive … Wiktionary
take the defensive — Contrast: TAKE THE OFFENSIVE … Dictionary of American idioms
take the defensive — Contrast: TAKE THE OFFENSIVE … Dictionary of American idioms
