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 • 1559 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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take up a defensive position vs hold a defensive position