on the defensive

Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus

0.02 sec.

on the defensive

weary and ready to defend oneself. John goes on the defensive when his athletic ability is questioned. The child was on the defensive when questioned about cheating.

How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.

?Page tools

Printer friendly
Cite / link

Email
Feedback

? References in classic literature
Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength. The Art of War by Sun, Tzu View in context They are all on the defensive, lose their tempers, as though they all want to make one feel something. Anna Karenina by Tolstoy, Leo View in context This immediately put her on the defensive, and with one of those sudden impulses of reprisal to which she was liable she gave him a little push from her. Tess of the d'Urbervilles - A Pure Woman by Hardy, Thomas View in context More results

? References in classic literature

Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

The Art of War by Sun, Tzu View in context

They are all on the defensive, lose their tempers, as though they all want to make one feel something.

Anna Karenina by Tolstoy, Leo View in context

This immediately put her on the defensive, and with one of those sudden impulses of reprisal to which she was liable she gave him a little push from her.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles - A Pure Woman by Hardy, Thomas View in context

More results

Idioms browser

? Full browser

on the carpet
on the case
on the cheap
on the contrary
on the cusp
on the cutting edge
on the cutting room floor
on the defensive
on the dole
on the dot
on the double
on the edge
on the edge of seat
on the eve of
on the face of it

on the contrary
on the contrary
on the contrary
on the contrary
on the contrary
On the Corner
On the Cosmos
On The Couch
On the Couch (book)
On the Country Side
On the Course Side
On the Cover
On The Cover (game show)
On the Crown
on the cuff
on the cusp

on the cutting edge
on the cutting room floor
On the Day Before
On The Day The Demon Prince was Born
On The Day The Demon Prince was Born (Code Geass episode)
On the death of Sinfjötli
On the Decay of the Art of Lying
on the decline
on the defensive
On the Detection and Overthrow of the So-Called Gnosis
On the Dnieper (Prokofiev)
On the docket
On the docket
on the dole
on the dole
On the Door
on the doorstep

on the doorstep
on the dot
on the dot
on the dot
on the dot
On the Double
On the Double
On the Double
On the Double
On the Double
On the Double
On the Double
On the Double
On the Double (1961 film)
On the Double (album)
On the Double (film)

Idioms and phrases

Free Tools:	For surfers: Free toolbar & extensions \| Word of the Day \| Help For webmasters: Free content \| Linking \| Lookup box \| Double-click lookup \| Partner with us

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Terms of Use.