pincer movement
Attack from sides
A pincer movement is a military maneuver where forces attack an enemy from two or more sides simultaneously, aiming to encircle and trap them: The general ordered a pincer movement to cut off the enemy's retreat.
The term extends to any coordinated two-pronged strategy: Regulators and prosecutors launched a pincer movement against the company.
- envelopmentAct of surrounding completely
- encirclementSurrounding enemy forces completely
- flankingAt the sides of
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
operation · blitzkrieg · strategy · ambush · military · flanking maneuver · military maneuver · battlefield tactics · military strategy · tactical advantage · divide and conquer · hammer and anvil · surprise attack · counterattack · battle plan · tactics · claws · feint
- stealthsneak, ninja, creep, spy, skulk
- naval warfarenaval battles, naval battle, battleship, destroyer, sea battles
- military operationsoffensive, attack, marines, Desert Storm, NATO operations
- military tacticstactics, flanking, maneuver, ambush, battle formations
- offensive tacticsblitz, raid, rush, sweep, drive
- tactical methodsambush, flanking, feint, diversion, siege
pincer movementretreat
Sanctuary or withdrawal
withdrawal · defensive line · rearguard action · breakout · defensive position
pincer movementpeace
Freedom from disturbance
détente · diplomacy · ceasefire · appeasement · negotiation