on the defensive
Braced for attack
On the defensive describes a posture of protection against attack or criticism rather than initiation.
Someone on the defensive is reacting to pressure, explaining or justifying themselves: The senator was immediately on the defensive about her voting record.
The phrase implies vulnerability—you're responding to threats rather than setting the agenda.
- guardedWary and restrained
- on guardAlert and watchful
- protectedKept from harm
- waryGuardedly alert
- countermeasureDefense against a threat
under attack · fighting off · fending off · cautious · risk-averse · playing it safe · insecure · deflecting · reactive · damage control · circling the wagons · apprehensive · tactical retreat · backing away · vigilant · under fire · barricaded · cornered
on the defensiveon the offensive
attacking · aggressive · on the warpath · taking the initiative · offensive
defensive, defend, defense, defence, defendant, defender, defending, defended, defends