outflank
outflank — verb
- outflankpresent simple I / you / we / they
- outflankshe / she / it
- outflankedpast simple
- outflanking-ing form
1. to send your fighting forces past the end of an opposing military line so that y
to send your fighting forces past the end of an opposing military line so that you can strike from a less protected direction.
General Ramón ordered his cavalry to outflank the enemy camp before dawn.
military context: outflank + enemy + position
Saira led a small group through the forest to outflank the defensive wall.
The soldiers outflanked the opposing force and blocked their supply route.
By moving across the ridge at night, the battalion successfully outflanked the enemy camp.
Tunde studied the terrain carefully, looking for a way to outflank the hill fort.
- confront
to face directly instead of going around
文法句型
outflank + noun phrase (enemy / opposing force / position)
用法筆記
Frequently used in historical or strategic discussions of warfare. The object is typically a military position, such as an enemy army, camp, or fortification.
常見錯誤
2. to beat a competitor or opponent by taking a clever or surprising step that puts
to beat a competitor or opponent by taking a clever or surprising step that puts you in a stronger position.
Ingrid outflanked her business rival by launching the new service two weeks early.
figurative use: outflank + business rival
The smaller company outflanked the industry giant with a clever social media campaign.
subject is organisation, not person
Ezra tried to outflank his opponent in the debate by raising an unexpected argument.
Aoi outflanked the other bidders by offering a creative partnership instead of extra money.
Feng outflanked the competition when he hired the lead researcher before anyone else could.
- outdo
to do better than someone, without the element of clever strategy
- outmanoeuvre
very similar, but suggests more complex strategic moves
- circumvent
to find a way around a rule or obstacle, not competing against a person
- lag behind
to fall behind a competitor rather than pulling ahead
- trail
to be in a weaker position compared to a rival
文法句型
outflank + noun phrase (competitor / rival / opponent)
用法筆記
Used in business, politics, and competitive contexts. The focus is on cleverness or surprise rather than direct confrontation. Unlike the military sense, the goal is not to attack but to gain a positional advantage.