outflank
Attack from sides
To outflank is to maneuver around the side of an opponent's position, originally a military term for getting troops past the enemy's flank to attack from an unexpected angle.
The word extends to any situation where you gain advantage by going around rather than through: She outflanked the committee by appealing directly to the board.
To be outflanked is to find yourself bypassed or outmaneuvered.
Enclose on every side
- encircleSurround on all sides
- envelopSurround and cover fully
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
- overpowerDefeat by superior force
vanquish · rout · conquer · subdue · neutralize · bypass · circumvent · blindside
Surrounding enemy forces completely
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- envelopmentAct of surrounding completely
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- feintDeceptive mock attack
diversion · maneuver · siege · raid · assault · counterattack · reconnaissance · infiltration
Defeat through superior tactics
- outsmartDefeat through superior cunning
- outwitBeat through superior cunning
- outthinkDefeat through superior reasoning
- outplayDefeat through superior performance
outpace · outstrip · outperform · eclipse · exceed · transcend · best · trump
Methods to achieve goals
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
gambit · ploy · countermove · anticipation · foresight · planning · campaign · logistics
Favorable position or circumstance
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- rivalOne who competes against
opponent · competitor · negotiation · boardroom · market · politics · debate · litigation
surround
Enclose on every side
overpower · vanquish · rout · conquer · subdue · neutralize · bypass · circumvent · blindside · ambush
encirclement
Surrounding enemy forces completely
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- envelopmentAct of surrounding completely
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
feint · diversion · maneuver · siege · raid · assault · counterattack · reconnaissance · infiltration · blitzkrieg
outmaneuver
Defeat through superior tactics
- outsmartDefeat through superior cunning
- outwitBeat through superior cunning
- outthinkDefeat through superior reasoning
outplay · outpace · outstrip · outperform · eclipse · exceed · transcend · best · trump · overtake
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
leverage · gambit · ploy · countermove · anticipation · foresight · planning · campaign · logistics · intelligence
advantage
Favorable position or circumstance
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- positioningArranging in specific locations
rival · opponent · competitor · negotiation · boardroom · market · politics · debate · litigation · chess
outflankfrontal assault
Attack from the front
storm · rush · direct attack · charge · assault