Idioms

offense

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a good defense is the best offense

The best way to give oneself the opportunity to succeed is to secure oneself against risk, danger, or one's opponents. An inversion of the standard phrase "the best defense is a good offense." They have a lot of scoring power, so we need to stay strong on our side of the court and wear them out. A good defense is the best offense, girls. Succeeding in the stock market takes prudence, careful planning, and plenty of risk management. As they say, a good defense is the best offense. That team definitely believes that a good defense is the best offense—they don't have a ton of scorers, but they have a solid enough defense to win close games.
See also: best, defense, good, offense

a good offense is the best defense

The best way to protect oneself is to proactively attack one's opponents or enemies. They will then be too occupied with defending themselves to stage an attack of their own. They have a lot of scoring power, so we need to attack the goal early and wear them out. A good offense is the best defense. I've always believed that a good offense is the best defense. We'll only be able to secure our borders if we are quick to eradicate any nearby threats with as much force as possible. With how much our first line has been scoring, I knew we could easily dominate the other team. A good defense is the best offense, right?
See also: best, defense, good, offense

give offense (to someone or something)

To cause tension or displeasure for someone or something. I tried to choose my words carefully, but, due to the controversial subject matter, I feared that I would give offense to the committee no matter what I said. If you really want to get this job, don't do or say anything that would give offense. Why would you bring up politics and religion at a dinner party? It's like you're trying to give offense to our guests!
See also: give, offense, someone

hanging offense

A crime, misdeed, or impropriety that is (hyperbolically) perceived to warrant death by hanging. Primarily heard in US. Political correctness has become so authoritarian these days that saying anything with even the slightest derogatory implication is seen as a hanging offense! I'm sorry I forgot to vacuum, Mom, but, come on, it's not exactly a hanging offense. Dude, you really need to start getting here on time before the boss notices—lateness is a hanging offense to him.
See also: hanging, offense

mean no offense

To not imply or intend any offensive meaning in what one says or does. Usually used in the past tense. I truly meant no offense by what I said—I was just making a literal observation about your clothes, that's all! I'm sure you meant no offense, but just consider for a moment how someone might interpret what you said.
See also: mean, no, offense

no offense

What I have said or am about to say is not meant to offend or insult you, even though it could be interpreted that way. No offense, but I think it may be time you cleaned up your kitchen. All I'm saying is that I think we could use some more help with the renovation. No offense, John, you've been a big help.
See also: no, offense

no offense meant

What I have said or am about to say is not meant to offend or insult you, even though it could be interpreted that way. No offense meant, but I think it may be time you cleaned up your kitchen. All I'm saying is that I think we could use some more help with the renovation—no offense meant.
See also: meant, no, offense

no offense taken

I was not offended or insulted by what you just said. A: "Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that we didn't appreciate your help!" B: "No worries, no offense taken."
See also: no, offense, taken

not mean any offense

To not imply or intend any offensive meaning in what one says or does. Usually used in the past tense. I truly didn't meant any offense by what I said—I was just making a literal observation about your clothes, that's all! I'm sure you never meant any offense, but just consider for a moment how someone might interpret what you said.
See also: any, mean, not, offense

take offense (at) (something)

To be or feel insulted, offended, or humiliated by something. I know your comments were made completely in jest, but I couldn't help taking offense at them. I noticed your parents leaving early. I do hope they haven't taken offense.
See also: offense, take

the best defense is a good offense

Proactively attacking one's opponents or enemies is the best way to protect oneself, since they will be too occupied with defending themselves to stage an attack of their own. They have a lot of scoring power, so we need to attack the goal early and wear them out. The best defense is a good offense, girls. We'll only be able to secure our borders if we are quick to eradicate any nearby threats with as much force as possible. The best defense is a good offense.
See also: best, defense, good, offense

the best offense is a good defense

The best way to give oneself the opportunity to succeed is to secure oneself against risk, danger, or one's opponents. An inversion of the standard phrase "the best defense is a good offense." They have a lot of scoring power, so we need to stay strong on our side of the court and wear them out. The best offense is a good defense, girls. Succeeding in the stock market takes prudence, careful planning, and plenty of risk management. As they say, the best offense is a good defense.
See also: best, defense, good, offense
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

best defense is a good offense

Prov. If you attack your opponents, they will be so busy fighting off your attack that they will not be able to attack you. (Often associated with sports. Often pronounced with the accent on the first syllable, similar to offense.) The team mostly practiced offensive moves because the coach believed that the best defense is a good offense. Jim thought that the best defense is a good offense, so he always tried to pass other drivers before they could pass him.
See also: best, defense, good, offense

mean no offense

not to intend to offend. (See also take no offense.) I'm really sorry. I meant no offense. It was simply a slip of the tongue. He meant no offense by it.
See also: mean, no, offense

No offense meant.

I did not mean to offend [you]. (See also No offense taken.) Mary: Excuse that last remark. No offense meant. Susan: It's okay. I was not offended.
See also: meant, no, offense

No offense taken.

I am not offended [by what you said]. (See also No offense meant.) Pete: Excuse that last remark. I did not want to offend you. Tom: It's okay. No offense taken.
See also: no, offense, taken

take offense (at someone or something)

to be insulted by someone or something. Bill took offense at Mary for her thoughtless remarks. Almost everyone took offense at Bill's new book. I'm sorry you took offense. I meant no harm.
See also: offense, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

no offense

Please don't feel insulted, I don't mean to offend you, as in No offense, but I think you're mistaken. This expression, first recorded in 1829, generally accompanies a statement that could be regarded as insulting but is not meant to be, as in the example.
See also: no, offense

take offense

Feel resentment or emotional pain, as in I didn't realize he'd take offense when he wasn't invited. [Mid-1800s]
See also: offense, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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