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 return of Johnson on the offensive line is critical, and the Week 18 rest should (in theory) help left tackle Jordan Mailata, left guard Landon Dickerson, and center Cam Jurgens near the top-of-league form.
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Matt Barrows, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Two years after discovering that more than 1,500 antiquities were missing from its collections, the British Museum is going on the offensive — by hiring a treasure hunter.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026
While much of his time at Charlotte was spent playing tackle, Gibson is more than willing to play whatever position the Knights need him on the offensive line.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Injuries played a big role in the team’s demise, especially on the offensive line.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on the offensive
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Matt Barrows, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Two years after discovering that more than 1,500 antiquities were missing from its collections, the British Museum is going on the offensive — by hiring a treasure hunter.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026
While much of his time at Charlotte was spent playing tackle, Gibson is more than willing to play whatever position the Knights need him on the offensive line.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Injuries played a big role in the team’s demise, especially on the offensive line.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
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 12 Jan. 2026.
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