outflank
/aut'flæɳk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To gain a tactical advantage over an opponent by maneuvering around and attacking their side or rear: This is the primary military meaning, describing a tactical movement to bypass an enemy's main defensive front.
- To get the better of; to outmaneuver or surpass in a non-military context: This figurative meaning extends the concept to any situation where one gains an advantage through superior strategy or positioning.
Usage and Examples
Military/Literal Usage:
- The general ordered his cavalry to outflank the enemy's left wing.
- Their strategy was to outflank the defensive position by moving through the forest.
Figurative/General Usage:
- The new company hoped to outflank its larger competitors by focusing on innovative technology.
- In the debate, she managed to outflank her opponent with a clever rhetorical question.
Advanced Usage
- "To be outflanked" (passive voice): To have one's position turned or to be strategically surpassed.
- The regiment was outflanked and forced to retreat.
- Politically, the senator found himself outflanked on the issue by members of his own party.
Variants and Related Words
- Flank (n & v): The side of a military formation or body; to be positioned at the side of something.
- The attack targeted the army's weak flank.
- Outmaneuver (v): A close synonym meaning to use superior skill or strategy to gain an advantage.
Synonyms
- Bypass
- Outmaneuver
- Outwit (more focused on cleverness)
- Best (as in to get the better of)
Related Phrases
- Turn the flank: A military phrase very similar in meaning to "outflank."
- The objective was to turn the enemy's flank and cut off their supply lines.
Verb
- get the better of
- the goal was to best the competition
- go around the flank of (an opposing army)