take the offensive

phrase

: to begin to attack or fight against someone or something
Opponents of the development project took the offensive and defeated the land sale.

Browse Nearby Words

take the mickey
take the offensive
take the piss out of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take the offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20offensive. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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