on guard
Ready for trouble
On guard describes a state of alertness and readiness to defend or respond.
A sentry stands on guard at an entrance.
Figuratively, someone on guard is wary or cautious: She's always on guard around strangers.
To put someone on guard is to make them watchful.
In fencing, the phrase signals readiness to begin.
Keenly aware of danger
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
- attentivePaying close notice
- waryGuardedly alert
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
aware · observant · heedful · sharp · keen · perceptive · circumspect · mindful
Defensive blade deflection
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- deflectTurn from course
- counterFlat service surface
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
position · riposte · feint · lunge · thrust · fencing · swordplay · foil
Protecting from harm
- defendingProtecting against harm
- safeguardingPreventing harm or loss
- securingMaking firmly fixed
- coveringLayer that shields or hides
screening · sheltering · watching over · looking out · custodial · sentinel · sentry · patrol
Inclined to distrust
- distrustfulLacking faith in others
- leeryCautiously distrustful
- mistrustfulLacking faith in others
- skepticalInclined to question claims
doubtful · uneasy · apprehensive · chary · cagey · hesitant · reserved · standoffish
vigilant
Keenly aware of danger
cautious · aware · observant · heedful · sharp · keen · perceptive · circumspect · mindful · ready
parry
Defensive blade deflection
stance · position · riposte · feint · lunge · thrust · fencing · swordplay · foil · épée
shielding
Protecting from harm
- defendingProtecting against harm
- safeguardingPreventing harm or loss
- securingMaking firmly fixed
covering · screening · sheltering · watching over · looking out · custodial · sentinel · sentry · patrol · lookout
suspicious
Inclined to distrust
- distrustfulLacking faith in others
- leeryCautiously distrustful
- mistrustfulLacking faith in others
skeptical · doubtful · uneasy · apprehensive · chary · cagey · hesitant · reserved · standoffish · defensive
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- fighting wordsfight me, bring it, square up, throw hands, step outside
- guardsguardian, protector, sentinel, sentry, watchman
- phrasesnoun phrases, noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase, prepositional phrases
- vigilancewatchfulness, vigilant, alertness, watchful, attentiveness
- alertnessalert, alertness, attentive, vigilance, vigilant
on guardoff guard
Not prepared for something
oblivious · unaware · inattentive · asleep · unwary
on guardopen
Not closed
trusting · unguarded · vulnerable · receptive · at ease
on guardvulnerable
Open to attack
exposed · unprotected · defenseless · undefended · open
guard, guarded, guards, guarding, bodyguard, unguarded, on-guard, lifeguard, rearguard