Definition

1. 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

1. get the better of
   • the goal was to best the competition
2. go around the flank of (an opposing army)