flanking
[flˈæŋkɪŋ] /ˈflaŋk/ (ame, mw) · /flæŋk/ (bre, ipa) · [flˈæŋkɪŋ] /flæŋk/ (ame, ipa)
flanking — noun
1. The outer part of a person's or animal's body that curves outward below the ribs
The outer part of a person's or animal's body that curves outward below the ribs and above the hip.
Theo felt a sharp pain in his flank after twisting suddenly.
collocation: flank pain
The horse's left flank was matted with mud from the long ride.
possessive: someone's flank
The doctor gently pressed on the patient's flank to check for swelling.
The old dog had a large scar on its flank from an operation years ago.
Each breath made the flank of the sleeping deer rise and fall softly.
- side
more general; 'flank' is more specific to the body area between ribs and hip
文法句型
the + flank
someone's + flank
left/right + flank
常見錯誤
2. A piece of meat taken from the lower side area of a cow, pig, or other animal, n
A piece of meat taken from the lower side area of a cow, pig, or other animal, near where the back leg joins the body.
The butcher recommended flank for tonight's stir-fry because it slices well.
countable/uncountable: flank as meat
Isabela marinated the flank for three hours before grilling it for dinner.
Flank steak needs to be cut across the grain to keep it soft and tender.
The restaurant serves grilled flank with a spicy sauce and rice.
- flank steak
specific term for beef flank used in cooking
文法句型
flank + noun (flank steak)
the + flank + of + animal
用法筆記
As a food item, 'flank' is most commonly used in the compound 'flank steak', which comes from a cow. The meat is lean and needs careful cooking to stay tender.
3. The left or right side of a large object, area of land, or man-made structure.
The left or right side of a large object, area of land, or man-made structure.
The eastern flank of the mountain is too steep for climbing in winter.
collocation: eastern/western flank of
Two narrow doors were built into the flank of the old warehouse.
The northern flank of the hill catches the morning sun first.
The castle's western flank faces the sea and has no windows at all.
文法句型
the + flank + of + object
eastern/western/northern/southern + flank
用法筆記
Common with directional adjectives (eastern, western, southern, northern) when describing large natural features like mountains, hills, or valleys.
4. The left or right edge of a group of soldiers, vehicles, or ships arranged in a
The left or right edge of a group of soldiers, vehicles, or ships arranged in a formation, which is more open to attack.
The general sent two battalions to reinforce the left flank before dawn.
collocation: left/right flank
Enemy troops tried to circle around and strike the regiment from its flank.
The commander ordered the cavalry to protect the exposed flank of the army.
The warships moved into position to guard the fleet's southern flank.
- wing
used similarly for military formations, especially in phrases like 'left wing' and 'right wing'
文法句型
the + left/right + flank
protect/attack/guard + the + flank
用法筆記
Frequently appears in military and strategic contexts. 'Flank' is also used in team sports to describe the left or right side of a formation.
flanking — verb
- flankingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- flankings3rd person singular
- flankinging-ing form
- flankingedpast simple
1. To be positioned next to someone or something on one side, or more commonly on b
To be positioned next to someone or something on one side, or more commonly on both sides.
Two tall stone lions flanked the entrance to the old city hall.
active: flank + object
The president walked into the hall flanked by two security officers.
passive: be flanked by
Rows of cherry trees flank the path that leads up to the temple.
The bride stood at the altar flanked by her two younger sisters.
A pair of large wooden cabinets flanked the fireplace in the living room.
文法句型
flank + noun phrase
be flanked by + noun phrase
flanked with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Very frequently used in the passive voice ('be flanked by') to describe what surrounds someone or something. The active form is less common but grammatically correct.
常見錯誤
2. To deliberately put people or things on both sides of a central person or object
To deliberately put people or things on both sides of a central person or object, often for decoration, protection, or ceremony.
The wedding planner flanked the altar with two large flower arrangements.
pattern: flank X with Y
The homeowner flanked the driveway with tall palm trees for a grand look.
The decorator flanked the long sofa with matching lamps on both ends.
At the state dinner, guards flanked the entrance with ceremonial flags.
- place on either side
more literal but less concise; 'flank' is more compact and formal
文法句型
flank + noun phrase + with/by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is the person who arranges; the placed items follow 'with' or 'by'. More formal than simply saying 'put on both sides'.