seizing the initiative
Taking decisive control
Seizing the initiative means acting first to gain advantage, rather than waiting to respond to others.
The phrase comes from military strategy, where the side that dictates the terms of engagement holds the upper hand.
It applies broadly to competition, negotiation, and conflict: Rather than waiting for their rivals to set the agenda, the company seized the initiative with an aggressive product launch.
- gambitsTactical opening sacrifices
- bold moveAudacious action with risk
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- preemptiveActing to forestall
- opening movesFirst actions in competition
foresight · strategic planning · leverage · momentum · timing · dominance · captures · power play · execution · calling the shots · arrest · decision-making · apprehension · courage · sacrifices · chess tactics · prophylaxis · defensive maneuvers
seizing the initiativereacting
Giving a response
on the defensive · on the back foot · responding · behind the curve · going with the flow
seizing the initiativeretreating
Moving back from advance
digging in · falling back · counterattacking · damage control · containing
seizing the initiativehesitating
Pausing with doubt
dithering · sitting on one's hands · paralysis · inaction · indecision
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