Meaning of on the defensive | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
2. defending; playing a defensive game

Equivalents

Examples

“Last⟳ year, despite winning 34 of the legislature’s 57 seats with 47 per cent of the popular vote⟳, the NDP was on the defensive almost from the start⟳.”

“Brazil's greater quality and assurance in possession meant England spent much of the game on the defensive.”

CEFR level