take the offensive
Initiate the assault
To take the offensive is to shift from defense or neutrality to active attack or aggression.
The phrase comes from military strategy but applies broadly: After months of responding to criticism, the campaign decided to take the offensive.
It implies seizing initiative rather than waiting to react.
- go atAttack or tackle
- attackAggressive act against another
- seize the initiativeAct before opponents can
- make the first moveAct before others do
- come out swingingBegin with aggressive force
charge · storm · fast break · full court press · aggression · boldness · decisiveness · strike · assault · frontal assault · preemptive strike · besiege · rush · blitzkrieg · confrontation · declare war · market penetration · advance