Definition

1. Noun:

   • The side of the body between the ribs and the hip: The fleshy area on the side of an animal or human torso.
   • A cut of meat from this part of an animal: A specific portion of meat, often from a cow, taken from the side between the ribs and the leg.
   • The side of something: A lateral part or boundary of an object or formation.
   • The side of a military or naval formation: The left or right extremity of a deployed line of troops or ships, as opposed to the front or rear.

2. Verb:

   • To be situated at the side of something or somebody: To be positioned on either side of a person, object, or area.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The horse had a white patch on its flank. (The horse had a white patch on the side of its body.)
  • She grilled a marinated beef flank for dinner. (She grilled a marinated cut of beef from the animal's side.)
  • The statue was placed on the southern flank of the building. (The statue was placed on the southern side of the building.)
  • The general ordered an assault on the enemy's left flank. (The general ordered an attack on the enemy's left side formation.)

• Verb:

  • Two stone lions flank the entrance to the palace. (Two stone lions are positioned on either side of the palace entrance.)

Advanced Usage

• "To turn the flank" (Military): To maneuver around the side of an enemy's position.
  • The cavalry attempted to turn the flank of the infantry line. (The cavalry tried to maneuver around the side of the infantry line.)

Variants and Related Words

• Flanker (n): A soldier or unit positioned on the flank; also, a player in sports like rugby or American football positioned wide on the field.
  • The flanker broke through the defensive line. (The wide player broke through the defensive line.)

Synonyms

• Side: The lateral surface of something.
• Haunch: The hip, buttock, and upper thigh (often used for animals).
• Wing: A lateral section or projection (can be used metaphorically similar to a military flank).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Flank out: To extend or position to the side. (Less common)
  • The troops were ordered to flank out to cover more ground. (The troops were ordered to extend to the side.)

Related Idioms

• "A flank attack" / "A flanking maneuver": An attack directed at the side of an enemy force.
  • Their victory was due to a brilliant flanking maneuver. (Their victory was due to a brilliant attack on the enemy's side.)

Noun

1. the side between ribs and hipbone
2. a cut from the fleshy part of an animal's side between the ribs and the leg
3. a subfigure consisting of a side of something
4. the side of military or naval formation
   • they attacked the enemy's right flank

Verb

1. be located at the sides of something or somebody