tip of the spear
First into battle
The tip of the spear is the forward element of a military force—the unit that makes first contact with the enemy.
Figuratively, it describes whoever leads an effort or bears the greatest risk: Our sales team is the tip of the spear for the company's expansion.
The phrase emphasizes being at the very front, where impact happens first.
Early explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- forerunnerOne that comes before
- pathfinderOne who discovers routes
- avant-gardeInnovative cultural pioneers
advance guard · scout · point man · first wave · leading edge · front line · cutting edge · forefront
Violent offensive act
- strike forceCombat unit for attacks
- commandosElite assault troops
- special forcesElite unconventional warfare troops
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
frontline · infantry · tactical · platoon · task force · incursion · operation · engagement
Self-directed action capacity
- executionCompleting a planned task
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- tactical advantageSuperior positioning in competition
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
maneuver · coordination · offensive push · calculated risk · breakthrough · flanking · surgical strike · preemptive
pioneer
Early explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- forerunnerOne that comes before
- pathfinderOne who discovers routes
avant-garde · advance guard · scout · point man · first wave · leading edge · front line · cutting edge · forefront · harbinger
assault
Violent offensive act
- strike forceCombat unit for attacks
- commandosElite assault troops
- special forcesElite unconventional warfare troops
offensive · frontline · infantry · tactical · platoon · task force · incursion · operation · engagement · combat
initiative
Self-directed action capacity
- executionCompleting a planned task
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- tactical advantageSuperior positioning in competition
deployment · maneuver · coordination · offensive push · calculated risk · breakthrough · flanking · surgical strike · preemptive · decisive action
- military scoutsscouts, ranger, vanguard, pathfinder, reconnaissance
tip of the spearrear guard
Troops covering a retreat
rear echelon · reserve forces · base camp · headquarters · garrison
tip of the spearback office
Internal administrative functions
support staff · administrative functions · back burner · afterthought · trailing edge
tip of the spearout of harm's way
In a secure position
safe haven · sidelines · comfort zone · ivory tower · bunker
tips, tipped, tipping, spear, spears, speared, spearing, spearhead, spearheaded