take the offensive

Verb

Meaning

take the offensive (third-person singular simple present takes the offensive, present participle taking the offensive, simple past took the offensive, past participle taken the offensive)

(idiomatic) To attack instead of defending; to be bold and proactive.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

set upon go on the offensive

Examples

In 1149, Manuel recovered Corfu and prepared to take the offensive against the Normans, while Roger II sent George of Antioch with a fleet of 40 ships to pillage Constantinople's suburbs. Source: Internet

With the Americans in retreat Howe was then able to take the offensive and on November 16, landed his troops on the island and surrounded and captured Fort Washington, resulting in high Continental casualties. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

take the necessary steps take the next step take the oath take the pain take the pee take the phone