exposed flank
Unprotected lateral position
An exposed flank is a side left unprotected and vulnerable to attack.
The term originates in military strategy, where a flank is the side of a formation—if unguarded, enemies can strike where defenses are weakest: The cavalry exploited the exposed flank.
The phrase extends to any vulnerability someone has failed to protect: His financial dealings were an exposed flank that opponents quickly targeted.
- vulnerableOpen to attack
- weak pointExploitable flaw or vulnerability
- undefendedLacking protective measures
- openNot closed
- soft underbellyUnprotected vulnerable area
weakness · attack · cavalry · charge · military · military strategy · battle tactics · side · rear · ambush · thrust · penetrate · breach · gap · unprotected · ribs · meat · cut
exposed flankfortified position
Defended military location
stronghold · fortification · redoubt · citadel · bastion
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