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
The Packers are already down two starters on the offensive line, as both Aaron Banks and Zach Tom are out.
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James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The Horned Frogs needed to add depth on the offensive line after losing Mitch Hodnett and starting center James Brockermeyer to the transfer portal after the 2024 season.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2025
Sure, that was exacerbated, and to some degree directly caused, by the ample non-supporting cast around him, especially on the offensive line.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
But despite some growth by the defense, New York finished Week 1 with the understanding that everyone from Russell Wilson down on the offensive side of the ball needs to improve.
—Howard Megdal, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
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James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The Horned Frogs needed to add depth on the offensive line after losing Mitch Hodnett and starting center James Brockermeyer to the transfer portal after the 2024 season.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2025
Sure, that was exacerbated, and to some degree directly caused, by the ample non-supporting cast around him, especially on the offensive line.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
But despite some growth by the defense, New York finished Week 1 with the understanding that everyone from Russell Wilson down on the offensive side of the ball needs to improve.
—Howard Megdal, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the offensive
Cite this Entry
“On the offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20offensive. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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