defensive

Related to defensive: defensive attitude

on the defensive

In a state of readiness, willingness, and preparedness to defend oneself against aggression, criticism, or attack. He went on the defensive when we started questioning the originality of his work. She always puts me on the defensive with the accusatory way she talks to me. The home team is on the defensive now as their cross-town rivals try to push for a touchdown in the final minutes of the game.
See also: defensive, on

onto the defensive

In a state of readiness, willingness, and preparedness to defend oneself against aggression, criticism, or attack. He went onto the defensive when we started questioning the originality of his work. She always puts me onto the defensive with the accusatory way she talks to me. The home team was forced onto the defensive now as their cross-town rivals try to push for a touchdown in the final minutes of the game.
See also: defensive
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

on the defensive

weary and ready to defend oneself. John goes on the defensive when his athletic ability is questioned. The child was on the defensive when questioned about cheating.
See also: defensive, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

on the defensive

Prepared for withstanding aggression or attack, as in The debate team's plan was to keep their opponents on the defensive, or This teacher put students on the defensive about their mistakes. [c. 1600]
See also: defensive, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

on/onto the deˈfensive

acting in a way that shows that you expect to be attacked or criticized; having to defend yourself: Their questions about the money put her on the defensive. Warnings of an enemy attack forced the troops onto the defensive. OPPOSITE: on the offensive
See also: defensive, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on the defensive

Prepared to withstand or counter aggression or attack.
See also: defensive, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash hands of
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
  • wash your hands of something/someone
  • for (one's) (own) sake
  • for sake
  • keep in sight
  • keep sight of somebody/something
References in periodicals archive
When the Houston Texans gave Watt a six-year, $100 million contract before the start of the 2014 season, the pass rusher rewarded the team by winning two straight consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards.
10 Highest-Paid NFL Defensive Players
When the ball is 2 feet or more away in a side lane's defensive zone, a shallow V hit back into the same lane is recommended (Figures 9 and 10).
Percentages, solid arsenal off back wall provide edge
He played on both sides of the ball, running back and defensive back, at Hawaii and coached on offense and defense.
THE HIRING OF BLACK COACHES: THE HIRING OF BLACK HEAD COACHES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGE
Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the defensive behaviours of A.
Apis mellifera adansonii Is the Most Defensive Honeybee in Uganda
The few existing precedents essentially link defensive pessimism to performance goals (Elliot & Church, 2003; Rodriguez et al., 2004; Yamawaki et al., 2004).
Defensive pessimism, self-esteem and achievement goals: A person-centered approach
He led all MLB second basemen in assists, ranked third with a .989 fielding percentage, third with a 4.71 range factor, and his nine defensive runs saved (DRS) was tops among players at his position--edging Ian Kinsler (6), Whit Merrifield (5) and Brandon Phillips (5).
SOLID DEFENSE: AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT TO WINNING GAMES
- Advanced - NRA Defensive Pistol - Thursday, July 6th
Concealed Carry Weapons Training for Elected Officials
Brendan Rodgers accused Jose Mourinho of parking "two buses" after seeing his Liverpool side frustrated by a trademark display of defensive resilience from Chelsea at Anfield, Goal reported.
Rodgers Accuses Chelsea of Parking "Two Buses"
Questionnaire surveys generally conclude that virtually all doctors practice defensive medicine.
Defensive medicine
The work-up of chest pain in this patient can be considered defensive medicine if it's done primarily out of malpractice fear.
Defensive medicine
In a first-ever national survey of orthopedic surgeons, 96 percent said they have practiced defensive medicine--the ordering of tests, referrals to specialists and hospital admissions primarily to avoid liability and without significant benefit to patients--according to a new study presented at this year's annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
New study estimates cost of defensive medicine
Russell Investments, said that its Defensive and Dynamic indices, introduced in February 2011, will expand coverage beyond the US stock universe to the 10,000 stocks tracked by Russell Indexes globally, including the emerging markets.
Russell expands Defensive and Dynamic indices to the Middle East
For example, an occurrence of offensive rushing for one team is an occurrence of defensive rushing for the other.
Relationships between player actions and game outcomes in American football
Some doctors may feel the need to order more tests and treatments to avoid being legally vulnerable." (1) By practicing what the President called "excessive defensive medicine," doctors provide "more treatment rather than better care" and drive up the cost of health care (Box).
Defensive medicine: can it increase your malpractice risk?
Summary: Defensive driving training * The first part on vehicle mechanics, * The second
Suited For Persons Who Drive Company Cars or Their Own Vehicles