come out swinging

come out swinging

Meaning:

• be confrontational
• strongly defend yourself
• aggressively initiate an encounter
• fight back with spunk and strength

Example:

1. The government came out swinging against the oppositions charges of corruption during the debate.
2. The residents body came out swinging against the local administration for failing to clean up the neighbourhood.
3. The labour union came out swinging against the management's decision to cut down the workforce.
4. The home team came out swinging against their stronger opponents and managed to win.
5. After a long layoff due to injury, the player came out swinging in his comeback game.
6. The minister came out swinging in defence of the new policy changes.
7. The manager came out swinging against all the negative feedback he had received from the employees.
8. Its his last chance to prove his worth, so expect him to come out swinging.

Origin:
This phrase has its origin in boxing. It refers to a boxer who begins a match by immediately throwing punches in an unrestrained manner.