What does “The best defence is offence.” mean?
"The best defence is offence" means that sometimes the best way to protect oneself is by taking the initiative to attack or be aggressive towards others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
In a competitive game, sometimes the best defence is offence. It's better to attack and keep the opponent on their toes.
Example
When facing criticism, some people believe that the best defence is offence. They respond by attacking the other person's flaws.
Example
In a debate, some individuals believe that the best defence is offence. They try to discredit their opponent by aggressively attacking their arguments
Is “The best defence is offence.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The best defence is offence.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “The best defence is offence.” effectively in context?
You can use "The best defence is offence" to convey the idea that sometimes the most effective way to protect oneself is by being proactive and taking the initiative to attack or be aggressive towards others. It emphasizes the importance of not just defending, but also actively engaging in actions that can deter or neutralize potential threats. For example, if someone is being criticized, you might say, 'Instead of just defending yourself, why not take a more assertive approach? Remember, the best defence is offence.'
- 1Sports
In a competitive game, sometimes the best defence is offence. It's better to attack and keep the opponent on their toes.
- 2Dealing with criticism
When facing criticism, some people believe that the best defence is offence. They respond by attacking the other person's flaws.
- 3Debating
In a debate, some individuals believe that the best defence is offence. They try to discredit their opponent by aggressively attacking their arguments.
Similar phrases to “The best defence is offence.”:
This phrase has a similar meaning to *The best defence is offence*. It suggests that being proactive and taking the initiative to attack can be more effective than solely focusing on defensive measures.
Example
In a competitive game, some players believe that attack is the best form of defense.
This phrase has a similar meaning to *The best defence is offence*. It suggests that having a strong defense can be an effective way to counter or neutralize potential threats.
Example
In a competitive game, some players believe that the best offense is a good defense.
Strike first, strike hard
This phrase emphasizes the importance of taking immediate and aggressive action to gain an advantage or deter potential threats.
Example
In a competitive game, some players follow the strategy of strike first, strike hard.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The best defence is offence.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The best defence is offence" is unknown.
Is “The best defence is offence.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "The best defence is offence" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. It is more commonly used in specific contexts such as sports, debates, or discussions about strategy.
What tone does “The best defence is offence.” have?
"The best defence is offence" conveys a tone of assertiveness and strategic thinking. It suggests that being proactive and taking the initiative can be more effective than solely focusing on defensive measures.
Can “The best defence is offence.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "The best defence is offence" is generally used in informal settings, such as casual conversations or discussions among friends. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts, such as professional presentations or debates.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'In a competitive game, sometimes the best defence is offence.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, the best defence is offence!' to emphasize the importance of taking an assertive approach.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be proactive
- take the initiative
- go on the offensive
- attack as a defense
- preemptive strike
Antonyms
- play it safe
- stay on the defensive
- avoid confrontation
- defend without attacking
- passive defense
