flank

[flæŋk]

flank Definition

• 1. the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip
• 2. the right or left side of a military formation
• 3. protect or guard the flank of

Using flank: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flank" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The bullet hit him in the flank.

• Example

  The army attacked the enemy's flank.

• Example

  The soldiers were ordered to flank the enemy position.

• Example

  The car was flanked by two police motorcycles.

flank Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flank

• side
• hip
• wing
• border
• edge

Antonyms for flank

• center

Idioms Using flank

• on the flank

  on the side of something

  Example

  The town is located on the eastern flank of the mountain range.

• showing/flaunting one's flank

  to reveal one's vulnerability or weakness

  Example

  By admitting his mistake, he was showing his flank to his critics.

• take the enemy in flank

  to attack the enemy from the side

  Example

  The general decided to take the enemy in flank to break their defense.

Phrases with flank

• flank steak

  a cut of beef taken from the flank of the cow

  Example

  I'm going to grill some flank steak for dinner tonight.

• flank speed

  the maximum speed that a ship can achieve

  Example

  The captain ordered the crew to go at flank speed to outrun the enemy ships.

• flank attack

  a military tactic where an attacking force moves around the enemy's flank to attack from the side or rear

  Example

  The general ordered a flank attack to surprise the enemy and gain an advantage.

Origins of flank

from Old Norse 'flanki', meaning 'fleshy part of the side'

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Summary: flank in Brief

The term 'flank' [flæŋk] refers to the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip, as well as the right or left side of a military formation. It can also mean to protect or guard the flank of something. Examples include 'The bullet hit him in the flank,' and 'The soldiers were ordered to flank the enemy position.' Phrases like 'flank steak' and 'flank speed' denote specific contexts, while idioms like 'showing/flaunting one's flank' and 'take the enemy in flank' convey vulnerability and military tactics, respectively.