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take up a defensive position vs hold a defensive position

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning but with a slight difference in emphasis. 'Take up a defensive position' implies the action of assuming a defensive stance, while 'hold a defensive position' suggests maintaining that defensive stance.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1546 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"take up a defensive position"

This phrase is used to describe the action of assuming a defensive stance or position in a strategic or tactical context.

Examples:

  • The soldiers were ordered to take up a defensive position along the perimeter.
  • The team quickly took up a defensive position to protect their goal.
  • Take up defensive positions in those trees.
  • Cairo's ordered us to take up defensive positions for two months.
  • Battalion wants us to head east, set up a defensive position.
  • We pull back into a defensive position and dropping mortars.
  • The bashful tend to assume a defensive position.
  • Also looks like his arms Are in a defensive position.
  • Why aren't we in a defensive position?
  • You could shoot me center mass, But the low directionality will show I was in a defensive position.
  • -Sergeant! -Yes, sir. I want a defensive position above that ridge... mined with everything we've got.
  • We will withdraw into a defensive position and we will score an own goal against the interests of our fellow citizens.
  • Madam President, Commissioner, you did not need to take such a defensive position.
  • It is not that we are only taking a defensive position on agriculture; we are active in all areas that concern the trade negotiations.
  • However, we must also add that the European Union must have an active approach to agricultural negotiations too, because it cannot restrict itself to a defensive position.
  • Coming to the concerns expressed by many of you, especially Mr Crowley, regarding agriculture and the multilateral negotiations, I can assure you that Europe will not allow itself to be forced into a defensive position in this context.
  • Let us not systematically adopt a defensive position or, worse still, an entrenched position on a complex matter which deserves to be studied in depth.
  • We need to get up that hill and set up a good, defensive position...
  • In view of the challenges we are facing, we cannot remain passive or take a defensive position, but we must also recognise that the invisible hand of the market is not going to provide a sufficient response.
  • If 1,200 men couldn't hold a defensive position this morning, what chance have we with 100?
  • Okay, let's set up a defensive perimeter.
  • So we'll set up a defensive perimeter at the launcher, and catch him when he tries.

Alternatives:

  • assume a defensive position
  • adopt a defensive stance
  • position themselves defensively
  • get into a defensive posture
  • prepare a defensive position

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"hold a defensive position"

This phrase is used to describe the action of maintaining a defensive stance or position in a strategic or tactical context.

Examples:

  • The troops managed to hold a defensive position despite the enemy's advances.
  • The team held a defensive position until reinforcements arrived.
  • If 1,200 men couldn't hold a defensive position this morning, what chance have we with 100?
  • Battalion wants us to head east, set up a defensive position.
  • We pull back into a defensive position and dropping mortars.
  • The bashful tend to assume a defensive position.
  • Also looks like his arms Are in a defensive position.
  • Why aren't we in a defensive position?
  • You could shoot me center mass, But the low directionality will show I was in a defensive position.
  • -Sergeant! -Yes, sir. I want a defensive position above that ridge... mined with everything we've got.
  • We will withdraw into a defensive position and we will score an own goal against the interests of our fellow citizens.
  • Madam President, Commissioner, you did not need to take such a defensive position.
  • It is not that we are only taking a defensive position on agriculture; we are active in all areas that concern the trade negotiations.
  • However, we must also add that the European Union must have an active approach to agricultural negotiations too, because it cannot restrict itself to a defensive position.
  • Coming to the concerns expressed by many of you, especially Mr Crowley, regarding agriculture and the multilateral negotiations, I can assure you that Europe will not allow itself to be forced into a defensive position in this context.
  • Let us not systematically adopt a defensive position or, worse still, an entrenched position on a complex matter which deserves to be studied in depth.
  • In view of the challenges we are facing, we cannot remain passive or take a defensive position, but we must also recognise that the invisible hand of the market is not going to provide a sufficient response.
  • The rest of you, take defensive positions.
  • It's in an excellent defensive position.
  • Take up defensive positions in those trees.
  • We need to get up that hill and set up a good, defensive position...
  • This island is the only one defensive position.

Alternatives:

  • maintain a defensive position
  • keep a defensive stance
  • stay in a defensive position
  • defend a position defensively
  • remain in a defensive posture

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