flank attack
Strike the side
A flank attack is a military maneuver striking the side of an enemy formation rather than its front, where defenses are typically strongest.
The tactic exploits the difficulty of defending multiple directions simultaneously.
Figuratively, any indirect approach that avoids direct confrontation: Rather than challenge the CEO openly, she mounted a flank attack through the board members.
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- pincer movementTwo-pronged tactical encirclement
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- cavalryMounted military force
outflank · encircle · double envelopment · surprise · element of surprise · tactical · battle plan · assault · infantry · vulnerable · weak point · exposed · salient · breakthrough · rear · blindside · hit and run · sortie
- cavalrycavalry, cavalryman, cavalry brigade, cavalry charges, cavalry officer
- military tacticstactics, maneuver, ambush, battle formations, combat maneuvers
- cavalry tacticscavalry charge, cavalry charges, cavalry raids, hit and run, encirclement
- combatbattle, fight, combat, unarmed combat, grappling
- Napoleonic EraNapoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte, Bonaparte, Napoleonic Wars, Napoleonic Code
- Civil War Cavalrycavalry charge, cavalry regiment, cavalry saber, cavalry brigade, cavalry division
flank attackdefensive position
Fortified spot for resistance
holding action · fortified position · entrenchment · defensive line · rearguard action
flank, attack, flanks, flanked, flanking, flanker, flankers, attacks, attacked