PhrasesHub

Attack is the best form of defence

    Definitions

      • aggressive strategy
        To suggest that being assertive and taking action against a potential threat or challenge is more effective than being passive or defensive

      • justification for attacking
        To justify or rationalize an aggressive or offensive action by claiming that it is necessary for protection or self-preservation

    Examples of Attack is the best form of defence

    • When the opposing soccer team started pressing forward, our coach shouted, "Remember, attack is the best form of defence!" and we surged upfield to score.

      The coach advised the players to go on the offensive to prevent the other team's advances, illustrating the principle that being proactive can serve as a protective strategy.

    • In the chess tournament, he adopted the principle that attack is the best form of defence, sacrificing a knight to put his opponent's king in jeopardy.

      The chess player initiated an aggressive strategy to create a strong offensive position rather than focusing on defending his pieces.

    • The politician, believing that attack is the best form of defence, went on to highlight the shortcomings of her opponents before they could criticize her policies.

      The politician preemptively criticized her opponents to divert attention from her own vulnerabilities.

    • She lives by the mantra that attack is the best form of defence, so she filed a lawsuit against the corporation before they could question her patent.

      The proactive legal action taken to sue the corporation helped protect her patent from being challenged.

    • The general's tactic was clear: attack is the best form of defence, and thus he ordered a surprise assault at dawn.

      The general decided to launch a preemptive attack on the enemy, using surprise to his advantage rather than waiting to defend.

    • "You know what they say, attack is the best form of defence," he declared before introducing his innovative product to the market ahead of schedule.

      The person anticipated competition by rushing the launch of his product, using an offensive business move for protection.

    • To secure her position in the company, she embraced the notion that attack is the best form of defence, outperforming her colleagues to avoid layoffs.

      The employee worked exceptionally hard to stand out and ensure job security, effectively using her performance as a shield.

    • "Sometimes, attack is the best form of defence," the lawyer remarked, as he planned to discredit the key witness before the trial began.

      The lawyer aimed to undermine the witness's credibility to strengthen his client's case, employing an offensive legal tactic.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "attack is the best form of defence" is often used to emphasize the importance of being proactive and taking control of a situation. It can be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging individuals to be assertive and take the initiative in dealing with potential threats or challenges. It can also be seen as a reminder that being passive or defensive may not always be the most effective approach.

    In addition, the idiom can also be used to justify or defend an aggressive or offensive action. By claiming that attack is the best form of defence, individuals may be trying to justify their actions as necessary for their own protection or survival. This usage of the idiom can be seen as a way to justify aggressive behavior and shift the blame onto the other party.

    Origin of "Attack is the best form of defence"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient military strategies. In ancient warfare, it was believed that the best way to protect oneself was to take the offensive and attack the enemy. This was seen as a more effective strategy compared to simply defending one's position.

    Over time, this military strategy became a popular saying and was eventually adapted into everyday language. Today, it is used in a variety of contexts, not just in warfare. It has become a common phrase to encourage individuals to take action and be assertive in their approach to challenges.

    Examples of this idiom can be found in literature, such as in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," where it is mentioned as a key strategy for successful warfare. It has also been used in sports, where a team may use an aggressive offense as their main form of defense against their opponents. Overall, the origin of this idiom highlights the importance of being proactive and taking control of a situation instead of being reactive and defensive.