outflank

IPA/ˌaʊtˈflæŋk/
KK[ˈaʊtflˌæŋk]IPA/ˌaʊtˈflæŋk/

outflank — 動詞

  • 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

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

包抄

從敵軍側面或後方進攻

to send your fighting forces past the end of an opposing military line so that you can strike from a less protected direction.

例句

General Ramón ordered his cavalry to outflank the enemy camp before dawn.

Ramón 將軍命令騎兵隊在天亮前包抄敵軍營地。

military context: outflank + enemy + position

Saira led a small group through the forest to outflank the defensive wall.

Saira 帶領一小隊人穿越森林，從側面包抄防禦牆。

同義詞
  • encircle

    to surround completely, not just attack from the side or rear

  • bypass

    to go around an obstacle, without the specific military flanking meaning

反義詞
  • 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

❌The team outflanked the problem by finding a shortcut.
✅The team got around the problem by finding a shortcut.
💡'outflank' in a military sense is literal, not used for everyday problem-solving.

2. to beat a competitor or opponent by taking a clever or surprising step that puts

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

智取；佔上風

用巧妙策略取得優勢

to beat a competitor or opponent by taking a clever or surprising step that puts you in a stronger position.

例句

Ingrid outflanked her business rival by launching the new service two weeks early.

Ingrid 提前兩週推出新服務，藉此智取了她的商業對手。

figurative use: outflank + business rival

The smaller company outflanked the industry giant with a clever social media campaign.

這家小公司靠一場精彩的社群媒體活動，智取了業界巨頭。

subject is organisation, not person

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌Our team outflanked the deadline by finishing early.
✅Our team beat the deadline by finishing early.
💡'outflank' is used for people (competitors, rivals, opponents), not for abstract targets like deadlines.