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On the defensive

prep_phrase

Definitions

Prep_phrase
  1. 1
    Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.

    "Last year, despite winning 34 of the legislature’s 57 seats with 47 per cent of the popular vote, the NDP was on the defensive almost from the start."

  2. 2
    defending; playing a defensive game

    "Brazil's greater quality and assurance in possession meant England spent much of the game on the defensive."

See also for "on the defensive"

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