on the offensive

idiom

: in or into a situation or position in which one attacks or fights against someone or something

The soldiers are on the offensive.

She went on the offensive to fight the charges against her.

Examples of on the offensive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Multiple people briefed on the discussions pointed to a rising trend of teams exploiting a loophole by which players on the offensive line for a punt are not required to wear a jersey number from 50 to 79, leading to sneaky fake punt plays. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026

While second-year coach Dusty May’s Michigan squad has been hailed for unselfishness, Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils showed more versatility on the offensive end. —Ben Nuckols, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026

The Illini outrebounded the Bruins 43-27, including 20-8 on the offensive glass. —CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026

While second-year coach Dusty May’s Michigan squad has been hailed for unselfishness, Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils showed more versatility on the offensive end. —ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for on the offensive

• counteroffensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive
• hypotensive
• inexpensive
• inoffensive
• normotensive
• defensive
• expensive