on the defensive
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on the defensive — phrasal : in a state or posture of defense or resistance : in opposition to an actual or expected aggression or attack * * * on the defensive phrase trying to defend something from attacks or criticism put someone on the defensive: a controversy… … Useful english dictionary
onto the defensive — on/onto the deˈfensive idiom acting in a way that shows that you expect to be attacked or criticized; having to defend yourself • Their questions about the money put her on the defensive. • Warnings of an enemy attack forced the troops onto the… … Useful english dictionary
on the defensive — trying to defend something from attacks or criticism put someone on the defensive: a controversy that has put the school s leadership on the defensive … English dictionary
on the defensive — ► on the defensive expecting or resisting criticism or attack. Main Entry: ↑defensive … English terms dictionary
To be on the defensive — Defensive De*fen sive, n. That which defends; a safeguard. [1913 Webster] Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensives. Bacon. [1913 Webster] {To be on the defensive}, {To stand on the defensive}, to be or stand in a state or posture of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
To stand on the defensive — Defensive De*fen sive, n. That which defends; a safeguard. [1913 Webster] Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensives. Bacon. [1913 Webster] {To be on the defensive}, {To stand on the defensive}, to be or stand in a state or posture of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
on/onto the defensive — 1 : in or into a situation in which you are forced to defend or protect someone or something We won after keeping the other team on the defensive for most of the game. Their soldiers appear to be on the defensive. The company was pushed/forced… … Useful english dictionary
Maigret on the Defensive — (French: Maigret se défend) is a 1964 detective novel by the Belgian writer Georges Simenon featuring his character Jules Maigret. Maigret responds to a call from a young woman in the middle of the night, but he then finds himself accused of… … Wikipedia
be on the defensive — To be in the position of defending oneself, not attacking ● defence … Useful english dictionary
on the defensive — expecting or resisting criticism or attack. → defensive … English new terms dictionary
